[Dixielandjazz] Piano Playing Tips

[Larry Walton Entertainment - St. Louis]

The easiest way to learn what comping is and how to do it is buy a copy of 
Band in the Box.  Put in your favorite chord progression with a jazz or any 
other kind of style.  Bring up the piano screen and go for it.
Larry
St. Louis
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <richard88jazz at nycap.rr.com>
To: <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 2:43 PM
Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Piano Playing Tips


> 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
>
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