[Dixielandjazz] Sitting in, again!

[Jim Kashishian]

Going back to the "sitting in" thread, once again I find that my particular
situation is a bit different from many others on the list as I am in the
middle of a major European city with gobs of tourists dropping by the clubs
we play at.  So, we occassionally get the travelling person with horn in
hand.  It's not easy just to say no.
 
My first cue should always be, and I have come up with this idea after our
last rather poor experience, is "does the musician have a huge entourage
with him telling you how great this person is?".  If so, say no!!  It
invariably goes wrong.
 
The lone musician, who first listens to the band & then has a chat with
members during the break will be a better risk.  This happened awhile back,
and the trombonist travelling with Springsteen (it turned out) had a great
blow with us.  He was thrilled to be able to just play & not have to stick
to the "show routine" he was involved in at the moment.  A very gracious
fellow, and a lot of fun to play with.
 
So, a flat out "no" to everyone can rob the band of an experience, but it is
a risky affair...accepting sit-ins. 
 
p.s.  as in the case of the Springsteen trombonist (from NYC), the really
good players will not tell you first who they are playing with or have
played with.  They will talk about your band, and be interested!  They will
let their playing do the talking.
 
Jim