[Dixielandjazz] Speaking of slow tempos

[Ken Mathieson]

Ken Gates wrote: 

Seems to be that one of the characteristics of top level players is that they can  make a slow (or even a too slow) tempo interesting and even really swing.  I can remember hearing instances when what seemed to be a faulty beginning tempo (way too slow) turned into an epic performance. But only the better musicians can make that happen.

Only the best musicians can hold a very slow tempo without speeding up. The extremities of tempo, very fast (300bpm upwards) or very slow (below 60bpm) are the hardest to maintain evenly and usually sort out the men from the boys. Then you have to make attractive and meaningful music while keeping the tempo steady and that takes real skill.

Cheers,

Ken Mathieson
www.classicjazzorchestra.org.uk