[Dixielandjazz] What is in the mind of the improvisor?

[Stephen G Barbone]

> "Ken Gates" <kwg28 at sbcglobal.net> wrote
>
>
> An improvising question to performance level musicians---
>
> While improvising a solo---what is going on in your mind?---
>
> A-The melody of the tune
>
> B-The chord structure of the tune
>
> C-How can I meet that nice looking person in the audience?
>
> D-Why is the drummer playing so loud?
>
> E-All of the above
>
> F-None of the above
>
> G-It's none of your business

Dear Ken

For what it is worth, here is my 2 cents as a performing jazz  
musician. It depends. For example:

E. All of the above, depending upon the tune, the audience and the  
drummer.

If I know the tune, I just go on automatic pilot, blank my mind and  
listen to the chord changes as played by our guitar. I stand right in  
front of his amp. We have been playing together for so long, that we  
almost read each others mind and we challenge each other via  
substitute chords, and/or modulations.

If I don't know the tune melody or changes, I hopefully have the chord  
changes in front of me. If not, I listen to whoever is laying the  
chords down and react. (only happens on requests that the rhythm  
section knows, but I don't or when I am sitting in and the band picks  
a number I don't know)

If the drummer is too loud, I blank him out of my mind or ask him to  
play quietly. Similarly if in a strange band where bass, guitar/banjo  
or piano are playing different chords, I pick the muso I trust most  
and follow his changes. OR, I simply play the melody line as loudly as  
I can and hope they will follow me. Then I take a second chorus and  
improvise.

When I was younger, I would pick out a pretty girl in the audience and  
play to her, weaving the horn around and making faces etc. Not unlike  
Sidney Bechet used to do. Worked every time. I would also bend more  
notes in an attempt to be "sexy". Actually that's how I met my wife  
and we are still going strong 50 years later. <grin>

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband