[Dixielandjazz] Piano Playing Tips

[richard88jazz at nycap.rr.com]

Criss: 

You've just hit the nail on the head: There's a BIG difference in solo 
vs. band piano playing as you've noticed.  Besides lots of practice as 
Bob noted (that's a given anyway!) you'll have to also do LOTS of 
listening to really get the feel for what to do with/behind the band 
and solos.  What's known as 'comping' chords will work as a basic 
starting point then you can develop your style from there with fill-
ins, runs and the like.  You really have to have a feel for the beat to 
keep on top of the rhythm to keep the band driving, even on the slow 
tunes.

As for everything else that's going on in the band (polyphonics) which 
is the heart of this music, well, you have to learn how to fit in.  
Best advice: do not overplay with too many notes/fills/runs/etc - 
that's what the front line is doing and you don't want to further add 
to the confusion, just complement it!!  While this music may sound very 
busy, there really is a structure to it where every instrument has a 
part to play.  Leaving room for all the parts is a musical trick that 
the better players have learned how to do.  Your job changes in a band 
setting: the piano is really part of the rhythm section and you'll 
either have it easy or hard to play rhythmically depending on the 
quality of the bassist (tubist) and drummer.  Dragging tempos or, 
conversely, speeding up, will drive you nuts, but, you'll mostly just 
have to go along with the other rhythm instruments.  The piano doesn't 
have the power to dictate tempos or rhythm, so you hope that everybody 
is on board with what
's happening and knows his/her job as far as what to do to complement 
the band as an ensemble.  Sometimes, you have to just hang on and hope 
that the next tune will go better!!!

Good luck!!

Rich Skrika, Piano 
3 Anyhow Lane 
Gansevoort, NY 12831 
(518)584-2633 
richard88jazz at nycap.rr.com