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

[Larry Walton Entertainment - St. Louis]

LW- That's very true around here too but getting them together is like herding cats.  

My bands have to play with fire and spunk and vitality . . . real enthusiasm and, well, youthful energy.

LW- I talk to my people about musical energy and I think they are ready for another round of that.  I can really tell when it's not there.

In my town, almost, not all, but almost every guy who knows the tunes plays like "The Ol' Grey Mare Just Ain't What He Used To Be"

LW - a lot of that is a state of mind.  Personally I play better around better musicians but I know that's not always the case with everyone.  There comes a point when guys just seem to go over  the hill but again that's a state of mind that doesn't necessarily have to happen.  When that energy is there I play better and that's something I want to do.  I like this music business and I want to keep at it as long as I can.  We just got a new Trombone player.  He has been with several other very good bands and I hope he sticks.  It makes a big difference when your horns start to sync.  He's been off for a couple of months and needs to work up his chops but the ideas are there and he likes playing so that's a real plus.  I look forward to the band moving up a notch with him there.
Larry
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: BillSargentDrums at aol.com 
  To: larrys.bands at charter.net 
  Cc: dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com 
  Sent: Sunday, February 24, 2008 5:31 PM
  Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Musical non-readers, can you add to the list?


  <<There is another side of this too Bill.  That's the audience.  So far I have 
  rebuffed the idea of playing for the local jazz club because they are not 
  nice to bands that read.  I have found that it's safest to have charts but 
  then the problem becomes the older jazzers just don't want to (or can't ) 
  read.  These are the guys that will tear your socks off while others just 
  play notes.

  So far the transition to charts hasn't totally taken place but like I said 
  before I think that my age group is on the border line and when we go there 
  will be very few players who can improv and know lots of tunes.  I think the 
  border line and transition point is the baby boomers and I came along just 
  before then.
  Larry
  StL>>

  I've been very fortunate. I've found guys who play fantastic jazz, and the tune and structure well, if they've got a lead sheet. And I do mean play GREAT, frankly better than most you'll hear at the festivals. 

  Many times I have bands where it's mixed . . . maybe only one or two using a lead sheet and the others without the need for it.

  You gotta do what you gotta do.

  My bands have to play with fire and spunk and vitality . . . real enthusiasm and, well, youthful energy.

  If the only guys who I can find to play without charts are guys who really can't play anymore, well, I'll take the lead sheets every time.

  In my town, almost, not all, but almost every guy who knows the tunes plays like "The Ol' Grey Mare Just Ain't What He Used To Be"



  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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