[Dixielandjazz] Sitting in (was Dixielandjazz Digest, Vol 125, Issue 5)

[Bill Haesler]

Larry Garrett wrote [in part]:
> ...Then a trumpet player in Amiens recommended that the best thing to do enjoy a couple of sets and politely approach the band on the last set of the night.

Dear Larry,
Mmmmm.
I would not recommend this for Australia.
For a working band this is the bracket where you leave 'em wanting more.
Adding an untested, unknown musician could be a recipe for disaster.
So the request would almost certainly be denied.
Get to the function early, chat to the musicians during a break, let them know you have your horn (if they haven't already noticed) and you may be invited or can ask to sit-in in the second or third bracket.
Depending on your ability, you may get two tunes or the whole of it.
Then stay awhile and listen.
If you have made an impression you may well be invited to join the last set.
Very kind regards,
Bill (a longtime bandleader).