[Dixielandjazz] Silent Breaks

[Stephen G Barbone]

> Bill Haesler <bhaesler at bigpond.net.au> wrote:
>
> Anton Crouch wrote:
>> What we're looking for is a genuine 2 bar mini solo which, in this  
>> case, is silence. I'd be surprised if there are others.
>
> Dear Anton,
> I think there may be one.
> In the 1970s our band used to drop in a 2-bar silent break every now- 
> and-then (on my call) for fun.
> I either got the idea for this from a genuine solo freeze by one of  
> our band members or, maybe, took it from a record.
> Kind regards,

Dear Bill

Barbone Street often uses silent 2 bar breaks. Started with us about  
10 years ago when I had a 2 bar solo freeze. First bar and first beat  
of the second bar were silent, then Glenn Dodson our trombonist at the  
time, counted loudly 2, 3, 4 as the second bar progressed. Then we all  
came back in very loudly.

Since that time, we have used a silent break (without the counting) in  
most of our performances. Works like a charm as we look at each other  
during the silence. The audiences enjoy it, not being sure if it was  
planned or due to our confusion over who had the break.

We also use a silent 4 bar break at the end of a song from time to  
time where the drummer would normally take a 4 bar break. Done on my  
call, without anyone counting, then ensemble comes in softy, (as the  
audience is applauding thinking the tune had ended) then the drum  
takes a LOUD 4 bar break either in tempo, or half time and we all come  
end as loudly as we can to end the tune. Also fun for the audience.

There have been times when on a two bar break, the first bar is silent  
then the soloist take a one bar break on the second bar. Usually done  
at the whim of the soloist.

Keeps us all on out toes.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband