[Dixielandjazz] No chordal Instrument - was Two horn front line

[Steve Barbone]

on 9/17/06 3:00 PM, dixielandjazz-request at ml.islandnet.com at
dixielandjazz-request at ml.islandnet.com wrote:

Russ Guarino <russg at redshift.com> wrote:

>The majority of my casuals are done as a quartet, with Clarinet, Bass Sax,
>Banjo [ or keyboard or guitar ] and drums.
> 
>I have a strong, clear, robust clarinet tone, so, the lead is played by the
>clarinet with follow up solos by the bass sax and then the chordal instrument
>[guitar, banjo or keyboard ], with the last chorus played by the clarinet.
>Sometimes we will have a vocal as the second or third chorus.
> 
>The key  is the chordal instrument. Without the chordal instrument, the band
>absolutely doesn't work. The  bass sax does the bass line and solos. Our Bass
>Sax guy is superb, both bass line and solos. The clarinet does the role of the
>lead horn since there is no cornet in our band.
> 
>Of course, the drum does the drum thing, and a good drummer can really add a
>lot to the tune, both doing background rhythm as well as solos, accents and
>endings.
> 
>Seems to work well.
> 
>We have developed into a foursome as a result of the pressure to keep our
>price low.  When the customer can afford a higher price, we then add the
>cornet,T-bone and have both banjo and keyboard. At that point we have a real
>Dixieland sound and "knock 'em out".

While I agree with Russ, generally, I disagree about the "chordal
instrument". Assuming the players know their counterpoint, you don't need
one.

Gerry Mulligan did fine without a chord instrument as did Paul Grant during
his run at the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City. Paul Grant's New Orleans
Swing (quintet) included a Tuba, Drummer, Trumpet, Trombone and Clarinet.

In essence, it was a smaller version of a New Orleans Marching Band and
successfully wowed the crowds there an average of 3 days a week for 15
months.

It was different for the first few days, especially always soloing with only
drum and bass during the 4 hour gig, but it soon became second nature and
everybody in the band became a better player because of it. So I would say
the bass is the key to a successful small group. He has to provide the right
bottom in order to make it work.

Biggest problem with both banjo and keyboard in a group is that unless they
are both excellent players, they often play different chords. :-) VBG.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone