So I had some cool chances to play music today (well, it was a different day). Definitely there were some great moments. And some rough ones. I think I had the opportunity to carry the gig more than I did. I guess I could have been more clear about what I wanted from folks. But sometimes the issue with the gig is that no one wants to do what anyone else tells them. It is sort of musical rebellion and it doesn’t usually work when you are rebelling against the people you are playing with. No one really means any harm by it. But it makes things more complicated. Even without rebellion folks might want things to work well but they aren’t able to focus due to other factors in their life.
On the songs that worked, I noticed the time (the tempo) was very clear. The drum played crisp beats. The bass showed the pulse consistently. The melody was simple. Everyone had clear parts and people weren’t overplaying. On the songs that did not work, the time was muddled and the form was unclear. I was telling my friend that when one realizes that a potential situation is occurring in a gig, one should simplify. That means simplify the songs, the solo lines, the comping, the instrumentation, the harmonies, the forms of the songs. I noticed that it helped today when I played clean melodies with simple obvious rhythmic devices.
When others solo, elegant comping means, of course, emotionally supporting the soloist. I think emotional support of a soloist is the number one agenda of the rest of the band. Then you try to create ideas to give energy and vitality to the solo. You get to add you feelings on the matter at hand, as well. Of course, you have to maintain and contribute to the groove, as well.
Playing off the vibe of the people
Another interesting idea came up today. Playing off the vibe of the audience. It takes a great musician with a real sensitivity to people to be able to connect with a crowd. Part of the the challenge consists of being skillful enough to play a wide range of musical styles. Another challenge is getting the band to get into the groove you want. Finally, you have to match the energy levels of the audience.
Sometimes carrying the gig means connecting with the audience at a deeper level. Your bandmates may not recognize the different factors at play, so perhaps you may have the opportunity to help create that connection.
From Summer 2009