[Dixielandjazz] acoustics

[Jim Kashishian]

Rick wrote:

It has been my experience that the rhythm section plays much tighter when
they are as close to each other as is physically possible. Substituting
monitors for physical closeness does help but no where near as much as being
close. 

We actually do set up very close, but you know that on a large stage you
have to spread out a bit, and I have found that that little bit of distance
can create problems in some halls.  I prefer not to have everyone on
monitors, but when the sound guy is getting paid for each bit of gear he
puts on stage, one has to keep everyone happy!  

Funny story:  I once had a sound engineer that recognized me as being the
"Neve" guy in Spain (that's a fairly big deal to sound people!), so he
wanted to make me happy and placed gobs of trombone in my monitor.  Now,
your everyday r & r guitarist might like that, but in jazz we prefer to hear
our neighbors in the mix.  My own horn I can hear 'cause the sound comes out
of the bell!  It was absolutely awful, but it was difficult to tell the guy
because he was trying to do me this big favor!!   :>

Jim