[Dixielandjazz] an Improviser

[Jim Kashishian]

Larry wrote:
>It was the only time that I ever in my whole life heard a guy play a solo
and hit exactly every note wrong.  The closest thing that I can think of is
that he was a half beat off and because he was thinking scales and all that
other stuff what he was playing didn't line up......

I've seen this phenonema!  I think some people see like a film running past
their eyes inside their head.  On that film are the chord changes.  If that
film begins early or late (to the rest of the band), this person will be
able to play his whole solo a half beat..one beat, or whatever out of time
with the band.  

If you're listening to the band, just try to do that!  It's impossible.  You
can hear when you're wrong & will wait out 'til you hear an important change
& drop back in on time.  If you're watching the film, you can't drop
out...ya gotta keep up with the imaginary film which is flowing at the right
tempo, but not in sync with the band.

Oh, and the worst part is, this guy's solo will normally draw a good
applause from the audience!  :>

The no mention of ear training (listening!) in our listmate's Improviser
chart sent to the list a few days ago was the one thing lacking, I thought,
and was going to mention it, but didn't wish to be critizing.

Jim