[Dixielandjazz] any improvising helps that i can use with my band

[Larry Walton Entertainment - St. Louis]

Sometimes Kirk, musicians just can't break away from the printed page.  I 
don't know if it's fear of making mistakes or just that the person is 
limited in their ability.  I'm not so sure you can fix it.

You might try writing out some simple things for him and make a tape of the 
chord progression so he can practice it before he gets up in front of 
everyone.  Band in a box is real good for this.  Then encourage him to 
change it around.  It could be simple in that he might not know that you 
need to hit a chord tone on the beat and  maybe he doesn't understand 
passing tones or that a lot of improv is using classical ornaments like 
turns, glissandos, upper and lower neighbors and even trills.  You didn't 
say if he can spell chords or not or has any knowledge of the blues scale. 
Knowing those things really helps.

Sometimes improv can be as simple as changing the rhythm patterns.  That 
might be a good place to start.  That way he doesn't have to change notes 
but work on rhythm improv first.

You didn't say how old this person was - I find that people who have been 
playing for many years have a more difficult time doing good or indeed any 
improv.

But whatever you do, keep it simple at first and don't expect super solos. 
Some people are just so afraid that they might do something wrong that they 
can't tear themselves away from the printed page where they are safe. 
Playing exactly what's written becomes a god to them.

Good Luck
Larry
StL
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "lovethatbass Captain Bass" <cptnbss at yahoo.com>
To: "Larry Walton" <larrys.bands at charter.net>
Cc: "Dixieland Jazz Mailing List" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 03, 2010 9:52 AM
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] any improvising helps that i can use with my band


> does anyone have any improvising helps that I can use with my band. I have 
> a trumpet who is so square that anytime I bring up improvising he bitches 
> and moans. And before I get ride of him, I want to do one last stance to 
> help him overcome his fear. Also does anyone have C and B flat lead sheets 
> that I can use also, with chord symbols on it. I do not want arrangements 
> anymore to work off from.Kirk
>
>
>
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