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

[Russ Guarino]

Thanks, Steve, for your comments.  I agree with you.

IMO, a three horn front line with bass instrument and drums can do OK without a
chord background, and a single solo horn with bass line can also do some
interesting things, but to do a three hour gig with just bass line and single solo
horn with maybe a drum, will be.... ugh, I hate to think of it.  But add a guitar
or keyboard in the hands of a capable musician & the music is a joy to behold.

By the way, We never have a problem with the right chords as we have a written book
to look at if there is anyone who needs help.  [ We are not ashamed to use written
lead sheets, if needed..... I admit, the lead sheet approach is more preparation
work for the band leader, but expand the repertoire enormously ].

The problem with "head" musicians is that many times they know the tune a little
differently than from the next guy, [ also, a lot of guys know the chorus but not
the verse ] so, you either play a lot together or you fall back on a written lead
sheet. Since I don't always have the same musicians, I always hand out the book
which they can use or not as they wish.

Russ Guarino
Lighthouse Jazz Band

Steve Barbone wrote:

> 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
>
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