[Dixielandjazz] Musical non-readers, can you add to the list?

[BillSargentDrums at aol.com]

The very first thing I ask any musician who expresses an interest in  working 
with one of my bands is:
 
"How good is your sight reading?"
 
If the answer to that one isn't correct, the rest is a moot point in all  but 
a very few exceptions.
 
Things aren't like they were when I was coming up, where everybody knew the  
tunes, could play them in any key and actually had ears. That was what I was  
accustomed to.
 
Today, I need some music, chart or lead sheet, in front of 99% of the  
players to make things work. And they'd better work the very first time.
 
In 25 years with my bands, we've only had 2 rehearsals, both before the  very 
first gig.
 
They have to read the chart right when it's laid in front of them.
 
I'm talking about big band and jobbing small groups, charts and lead sheets  
respectively.
 
Trad-Jazz bands can be a different animal, given the gigging frequency and  
how steady the personnel are. Sometimes lead sheets are neccessary.
 
One more thing, about Buddy Rich not reading music... I don't buy it.  
There's a big difference between not being able to read, not reading well, and  not 
wanting to read.
 
 
Bill
414-777-0100
BillSargentBands.com

Just released:  "The Best Of Bill Sargent Bands - Volume 1"

Available at:  http://billsargentbands.com/recordings.htm








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