[Dixielandjazz] Importance of the rhythm section

[Kent Murdick]

Steve is right about the rhythm section, IMO.  I used to run a small 
high school jazz combo many years ago, and I knew nothing about horns at 
that time, but I did understand piano/guitar, bass and drums.  I would 
work with the rhythm section and could usually get a nice Basie sound 
from them.  Once that groove was set up, the inexperienced horns could 
solo and actually sound pretty good.  One key for me was making sure the 
guitarist could play straight rhythm.  With the guitar chopping the 
right voicings, and the bass walking the changes, the piano part could  
be minimal and sound good.