[Dixielandjazz] More is better? Not necessarily!

[Marek Boym]

Hi,
I probably am to blame for the thread evolving into "going over time."
This isn't something that should happen, or happens often, certainly
not with seasoned and veteran professionals.
But, when pros like Buddy Tate, Benny Watters (OKOM), Dizzy Gillespie,
Sonny Stitt, Monk or Kay Winding (not so OKOM, but, in 1972, old
hands) feel like playing more than their scheduled time, one knows
something extraordinary is happening!  Thus, it isn't just about
"going over time,"  but about who or why is going over time.  And, in
both instances quoted, it involved some of the best and most
experienced musicians in their field.
Cheers


On 03/09/2009, Jim Kashishian <jim at kashprod.com> wrote:
> Interesting how the thread about special moments evolved into "going over
> time".  We don't have the problem of running over into another artist's
> time, as we are usually the only act.  However, we do get the "encore,
> encore"  (or, in our case it's in Spanish which is "otro, otro") regularly.
>
> >From a performer's view, it is nice to hear the shout after a real hot set.
> It is not so nice to hear when your crowd (speaking more about clubs here)
> has been so-so, and not paying all that much attention.  Then, you say
> goodbye, and they suddenly want more!   :>
>
> If it has been that kind of crowd (poorish), we don't play another.  If it
> has been (& this is more often the case, honest!) a great crowd, and they
> chant enough, we will play another song.  The Saints is a favorite, and one
> of the few that a mixed language crowd tends to be able to sing along with.
>
> However, a rousing encore will only stir the crowd on to more shouting of
> encore.  We successfully use a trick to slow everyone down (and be able to
> get outa there!):  we play two choruses of Mood Indigo, very slow & very,
> very quiet, as a second encore.  That, with a huge "Good Night" afterward,
> will usually get us on our way home.
>
> Don't forget, we're talking about 7 to 12 nights in a row, and as it is we
> don't get to bed before 3am!
>
> There is another factor in what is a "set".  If the set is 45 minutes, then
> the song setup, be it prepared in advance or on the spot (judging the
> audience reaction during the set), will have its "beginning & end".  If it
> is a 1,5 hr set, the same goes.....there is a beginning & an end.  One plans
> to reach a sort of goal, or climax, by the end.  That climax can be extended
> over an encore or two, but then the whole thing can become an anti-climax.
> A performer can feel that, and needs to control it to leave the audience in
> the best mood possible.
>
> Jim
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