[Dixielandjazz] Order of solos

[Jim Kashishian]

I wrote:  
>clarinet wasn't a God-given first solo always!

And, Larry answered:
>There is a reason why the reed players take the first solo and that's to
rest the brass players chops.

Other than heavy, long chorus songs like Fidgety Feet, That's A Plenty,
etc., I can't see why a brass player can't handle the first solo.

A good way around the repetitiveness of always a reed on the first solo is
to go into a piano, banjo or guitar solo after the collective
chorus/choruses.  However, direct into a trombone or trumpet solo certainly
shouldn't kill off a good brass player, and offers a variety for the
listener.

I made my original statement as some bands tend to fall into a rut, with
solos being always clarinet/trumpet/trombone/rhythm instrument, and then
back to the top.  With attentive band members, that order can be reordered
so easily, depending on the song, and can make the set much more
interesting.

Sorta like not doing a complete set of tunes in Bb, or a whole bunch of
medium tempo songs in a row.  Mix it up is good!  Sometimes we even do a
solo before the collective chorus...maybe an instrument completely on its
own, and sometimes without telling the other members of the band what song
it is.  Any member of the band can leap in & start a tune.  Keeps everyone
on their toes.

Jim