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

[Larry Garrett]

Thanks Bill, I totally respect your opinion and that's why I put it out there.  I suspect that it (the invite to sit in) varies not only by band, situation and venue. but also culturally.  Having had bands and sat in with bands it's all a little dicey---at least until you play and then it changes depending on whether or not you can hold your own.  I'm always cautious about showing up with a horn when there's a clarinet in the band and usually stay away.   But these days, with band downsizing a bit I find that often there is a smaller trad configuration with either a lead trumpet or a lead clarinet but not always both.   


I also suspect that the last set can be the biggest or the least important depending on the hour, the number of people in the audience and the level of inebriation.


Larry Garrett
KC Clarinet



-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Haesler <bhaesler at bigpond.net.au>
To: Larry Garrett <lrg4003 at aol.com>; Dixieland Jazz Mailing List <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Mon, May 6, 2013 7:17 pm
Subject: Sitting in (was Dixielandjazz Digest, Vol 125, Issue 5)


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).