[Dixielandjazz] What constitutes a good solo?

[Steve Heist]

Hi all,
Just about anything can constitute a "good" jazz solo, as you say...
But to achieve the status of a "GREAT" jazz solo, it is a half and half 
marriage of technical ability and emotional impact.  One without the other 
is lacking.
First, does the guy (or gal) have the "chops" to do what he/she is trying to 
do?  Second, is it blowing me away emotionally, does the solo have 
"feeling"?
I do believe herein lies the secret between mundane and extraordinary -  for 
an example listen to Benny Goodman, a technical genius with great flowing 
lines and superb emotional impact...

Examples:
Buddy Rich - fantastic technical ability, but lacking emotionally
Gene Krupa - Heart and soul emotional impact, but not the greatest technical 
ability

When you listen to a solo, first ask yourself, "Does the guy have the 
ability to "knock it out of the park" technically.
AND it's not just about playing a ton of notes, as a wise friend of mine 
once said, "It's not about the notes you play, but more about the spaces 
between the notes!"
Then ask yourself, "Is it touching me, moving me emotionally..."
Also, the improvisation should FLOW naturally...
Just a few thoughts.
Stubby

-----Original Message----- 
From: Ken Gates
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 4:05 PM
To: Steve Heist
Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] What constitutes a good solo?

Whether player or listener,  I'm pretty sure just about all on this list 
could
render an opinion as to how well an instrumental solo on any OKOM
performance was played.

I am interested in what considerations for excellence are being used to
render an opinion.  I hope there are those on the list who will offer
their judgment criteria.

Ken Gates

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