[Dixielandjazz] Tune Lists for gigs

Russ Guarino russg at redshift.com
Tue Jun 12 17:13:37 PDT 2007


Another advantage of Steve's approach is that the band members have only a few moments to think about how they will play the tune  and
I feel this is the challenge and fun of being on the bandstand, planing the gig.

Russ Guarino

Steve Barbone wrote:

> Ginny makes a good point about tune lists. Certainly there should be no
> discussions on the bandstand about the next tune and/or a vote by the
> sidemen as to what they want to play. Not even in "All Star" bands  put
> together for jam sessions. The session leader gets the big bucks to lead and
> that's what he/she should do.
>
> While my band does not use an advance list, except in rare instances, we do
> not have gaps in the performance choosing the next tune either. Sometimes
> part of my shtick is to ask the band for a tune selection and then after a
> very few seconds of mock discussion say.; "We can't make up our mind for the
> next tune so we are going to play "Undecided".
>
> What I do, as band leader, is choose the first tune before we get on the
> stand. Then while we are playing it and one of the guys/gals is soloing, I
> look at my tune list for a second tune. Pick a different key/different tempo
> tune. Then when my patter between tunes is over, I call the tune over the
> microphone to the audience, which is usually the first time the band knows
> what it is.
>
> Why? Because I like to gauge the audience reaction. I look at their eyes,
> their feet, their expressions and try and get an empathetic feel for what
> turns them on, or not. And I also think it helps the sidemen pay attention
> not knowing what they are going to play until the last minute. And I believe
> it helps them be more creative when improvising.
>
> It works for us, and may not work for others.
>
> Cheers,
> Steve Barbone
>
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