[Dixielandjazz] Two horn ensemble

[Larry Walton Entertainment - St. Louis]

These are all great suggestions for anyone.  While this all sounds simple it 
takes real listening and musical taste to pull off and if everyone isn't on 
the same page it won't work.  These are ideas and techniques that don't cost 
anything and you don't have to practice for years to achieve and they result 
in a quantum leap in performance..

In teaching students it seems like most of them are afraid to try these 
things.  If you get them to do it today it goes away tomorrow.

It's the same with guys that don't play much.  I used to be active in the 
Shriner's Band here in St. Louis.  On several occasions we had some Dixie 
performances.  I brought in some fake charts for each instrument.  Everyone 
just played all the time usually melody. Not a clue.  Just the concept of 
laying out is too hard to get across.  It seems like they are saying "I 
brought a horn and I'm gonna play it"  Most of these guys were really great 
guys and I didn't want to offend them but I sort of just faded out of the 
group.
Larry
St. Louis
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Edgerton, Paul A" <paul.edgerton at eds.com>
To: "DJML" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 1:20 PM
Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Two horn ensemble


> My answer is that variety is even more important with a very small
> group.  Play in parallel thirds and sixths.  Play counterpoint.  Don't
> avoid unison or octaves.  Take turns.  Use doubles, mutes or even lay
> out.  Play rhythmically.  Play melodically.  Try to work in as many
> variations in texture and dynamics as possible.  Let the changes in
> texture help to bring out the form of individual phrases as well as the
> more obvious eight bar sections.  Experiment, but above all -- LISTEN!
>
> -- Paul Edgerton
>
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