[TPIN] Autumn Leaves/2 down, 1 up

[Robert DeSavage]

> Message: 6
> Date: Sat, 05 Jan 2008 19:41:25 -0500
> From: trombaedu at optonline.net
> Subject: Re: [TPIN] Autumn Leaves/2 down, 1 up
> To: Bill Biffle <bbiffle at brgcc.com>
> Cc: TPIN <tpin at tpin.okcu.edu>, Eric Bolvin <ebjazzz at comcast.net>
> Message-ID: <47CDFDE7-709D-4467-9503-582E45CA1572 at optonline.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>
> In NYC, up is flat and down is sharp. I know the reason, anyone care
> to guess? :)
>
> Jordan

This was the way in the Boston area as well. This Enquiring mind wants to 
know why.

Some 50 years ago before piano players started lugging around their own 
keyboards, they (as well as the band) were at the mercy of the club or hall 
where in all too many cases the house piano was two steps above being in 
dilapidated condition. Usually, the pianos were the upright grand type and 
hardly moveable where the pianist's back would face the band. This made it 
difficult for the pianist where he or she would either get a whack on the 
back by a horn player for a new key change or have to turn around a bit to 
see any finger signals. A few of the pianists would carry with them a small 
mirror that they placed atop of the piano in order to see what was going on. 
Rarely did we call up the next song by name and just called the key, hoping 
the pianist knew the song. Be it anyone knew the song or not, we somehow 
managed to get thru many a 'tune playing' gig by 'faking it'. Hence the term 
fake book, a useful guide and tool when doing a general business gig that 
you walk into not knowing who you're working with or what comes next. As Mr. 
Vax mentioned earlier in so many words, the ability to easily memorize 
standards is a plus. Society orchestras like Lanin, Davis, etc. would 
consider this necessary in order to work for them. Part of a gig of that 
nature was 'strolling' from table to table during the guests meal. On that 
kind of deal, thumbing thru music is not an option. Usually the strolling 
group was a trio consisting of an accordionist, bassist and either a trumpet 
or sax player. Trumpeters all had to make sure that they carried their H & B 
cup mute and a rag to stuff in the cup. Not only that, since the society 
bands played for the rich and the famous, many of whom would see all the 
shows on Broadway on opening night, learning the new show tunes as early as 
possible was a must.

BOB D
-
May the final breath I draw exit thru my trumpet
             El Lippo's Trumpeter's Prayer

                            o-iii<0


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