[TPIN] Autumn Leaves/2 down, 1 up

[Bill Biffle]

Jazz players of my acquaintance refer to key in a wonderfully helpful shorthand.  C is signaled by a closed fist (no sharps or flats).  F is "one down" (one flat) - signaled on the stand by pointing one finger down.  Bb is "two down" for two flats; G is "one up" for one sharp.  D is "two up".  You get the idea.
 
Saves a ton of confusion on the stand when not everyone can hear everything that's said - more of a problem now than it was a few years ago :-)}.  Simple hand signals for the key of the tune being called.
 
And saves arguments about whether Autumn Leaves is in g minor or Bb major.  It's simply "two down".  ;-)}
 
Bill Biffle

________________________________

From: lamb95stew at wideopenwest.com [mailto:lamb95stew at wideopenwest.com]
Sent: Sat 1/5/2008 3:35 PM
To: Bill Biffle; Michael Bottini; Eric Bolvin; TPIN
Subject: RE: [TPIN] Autumn Leaves/2 down, 1 up



?????????????? Explain, please...

Michael Stewart, DMA
www.stewmuse.com/SM-Home.html
www.deepbluebigband.com

> By the way, you can solve the whole major/minor key thing by calling "2
> down" or "1 up"
>
> Bill Biffle
>




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