[Dixielandjazz] Enjoying the Discussion on Ensemble Tips

[Ministry of Jazz]

Shalom Ginny,

When Doctor Jazz first started about 5 years ago, we had only banjo, tuba
and drums. And the banjo player was still quite new -- did fine with rhythm,
but no solos. We would usually bring a washboard and try to enlist someone
from the audience, or the drummer or I would play it sometimes. We did a
bunch of gigs with that line up, including private parties and some
restaurant gigs. While we could have been the bottom of a band in search of
a front line, we weren't. I played melodies on the tuba and sang, or played
a base line while the banjo player sang, and we used kazoos, sometimes all 3
of us at once, and we made it work. Of course, what we do now with a better
line up is much nicer, but we made music then too, and we had audiences that
liked it.

Blessings,

Elazar
Dr. Jazz Dixieland Band
Tekiya Trumpet Ensemble
Jerusalem, Israel
www.israel.net/ministry-of-jazz
+972-2-679-2537


-----Original Message-----
From: Gluetje1 at aol.com [mailto:Gluetje1 at aol.com]
Sent: Sunday, September 17, 2006 6:40 PM
To: dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Enjoying the Discussion on Ensemble Tips


I have been interested in the comments under Two Horn  Ensemble.  This is a
post to encourage more of the  same given the realities of when we cannot
have
exactly what we want.   What's vital to remember if you have bass and chord
instrument/s but no  drummer?  If no piano/keyboard?   If no bass?  Can one
survive with a seated audience with no vocalist?  How important is a
gorgeous
voice compared to getting good lyrics delivered by whomever has the  courage
to
do so?  Hopefully, these few questions help you see the  discussions and
opinions on this general topic that I think many might find of  interest.
Ginny