[Dixielandjazz] Music theory---coda II Long post, feel free to delete

[Robert Reck]

Boy, do I feel sheepish...  Somehow I un-checked the automatic signature.
   
  Thanks, Robert.
   
  Bahhhhh,
   
  Rob "Mike Vax played with my college marching band once.. " Reck

"Robert S. Ringwald" <robert at ringwald.com> wrote:
  Hey Robert. You did not give the URL of your web site.

--Bob Ringwald



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Reck" 
To: "Dixieland Jazz" 
Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 7:59 PM
Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Music theory---coda II Long post,feel free to 
delete


>I thought I would let this post play out and see if I might have something 
>to add. The list can be the judge.
>
> First: If you are playing great, who cares how you got it done?
>
> I was always glued to the printed page until I got some understanding of 
> chords and how they work. However, it was not the pencil and paper theory 
> that helped me attain whatever skill I have.. You must have the knowledge 
> in your ears and your fingers. If you hear a lick and can play it back, 
> then you have it. I can't play back a bebop lick, but I am good with bass 
> lines.... In theory class, they give you a key and expect you to write it 
> down. On the band stand, you know the key and you hear it (either in your 
> head or from another player) and you know what they are doing. It is not 
> even important that you be able to name the or write the rhythm down so 
> long as you can play it, at least in OKOM. Some jazz players (Miles Davis 
> was one) are noted for their ability to be able to name the notes a 
> soloist was playing at any given time, but many fine players are not so 
> skilled. For me, learning the chords on the piano and in theory class was 
> a jump start to my playing, such as it is.
>
> You can tell from listening to Louis Armstrong (others too..) that he as 
> an exquisite knowledge of how the chords and notes function in 
> communicating musical thought. In my book that is the same as knowing 
> "music theory" as it relates to his instrument.
>
> There are two kinds of players, those that use music theory and know it, 
> and those that use music theory and don't know it. For heavens sake, you 
> have to play your instrument to learn the kind of theory that will help 
> you in any kind of improvised music.
>
> On the other hand, I can write music down as well, and that does require 
> a good dose of jazz theory..... It is a nice skill to have if you are so 
> inclined. To see if I know whereof I speak you can check out the chart 
> called "Almost Summer" on my web page. It is a straight ahead big band 
> chart. Lead sheets are free.... In fact, I will sent a free score and 
> parts to the first list member that asks if anyone is interested. If you 
> are outside the USA I will have to emal PDF files to you.... Make the 
> request off list please...
>
> Rob
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>
> 





Rob Reck
reckeuph at sbcglobal.net
http://members.sibeliusmusic.com/robreck