[Dixielandjazz] Piano driving the band

[Steve Barbone]

on 2/8/07 2:29 PM, dixielandjazz-request at ml.islandnet.com at
dixielandjazz-request at ml.islandnet.com wrote:

> Bill Haesler <bhaesler at bigpond.net.au> wrote:

>> Craig Johnson wrote:
>> Not sure I agree with that...............I've played with piano players that
>> sure could drive a 6-8 man  band.<
> 
> Dear Craig,
> I certainly agree with that.
> DJML listmate Adrian Ford (here in Sydney, Australia) has been doing for
> years.
> And he is not alone.
> Kind regards,
> Bill. 

Amen Bill & Craig. One of the best at driving the band was Thelonious Monk.
Though not OKOM for most, he always took charge of the pulse whenever anyone
strayed. 

Couple of his comments: "My job is to make the drummer sound good," as he
would say after saying; "Most drummers usually only play in a couple of
tempos so you have to keep them where you (referring to piano players) want
them."

Also, I think the stride players almost always drove the band.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone