[TPIN] How to be a lead player

[John Kool]

On Mar 1, 2008, at 9:27 AM, Mike Vax wrote:

>
> To answer John Kool's questions from my perspective.
> I listen for sound, stylistic approach, time, ability to swing, and  
> how well the section is following the "lead" of the lead player.

This much I expected, but  the next paragraph really starts to tell me  
"how" it is done.
Thanks

>
> Most times - on a recording session, you are mainly playing the  
> style of that band first, and then maybe adding a few nuances from  
> previous bands, as might be needed.

> Example - if we were recording a Sammy Nestico chart with my band,  
> we would first try to sound and phrase the way we do with all charts  
> and then add a little of the "Basie" influence for his chart.
That really helps!


> On a live job it really depends on if you are playing on a "society  
> band" that is trying to sound like the original recordings, or  
> playing on a "current" band that has its own style.

> When I am on a job for another leader, I always try to phrase and  
> articulate the way that leader wants the music to sound.
Do you know this from listening to the rest of the band, prior to the  
job, or do you grab the style from listening to the other sections ON  
the job, to get a sense of style.
Is it normal to have discussions with the leader about style?

I am told Stan Mark (I think, or it may have been Lin Biviano) used to  
have very specific guidlines for newbies on the Maynard band to  
follow.  I don't know if it was on a handout sheet, or if he just told  
the new members, as the leader of the section, or if it was something  
the rest of the section passed on to the new guys.  Don't know if it  
was done in a "nurturing way" or a stereotypical, but not so typical  
"do it this this way because I am better than you" way.


For your first time, is it normal in larger professional markets for  
the leader to give you a recording to listen to first?

> That is one of my main jobs as a lead player.  If I do it with  
> conviction and good time, then even on a "sight reading" dance job,  
> the section will follow me and the whole band will phrase that way  
> on ensemble passages.
Can I also assume that having a good time as well as good timing count?

How much do you "tell others how to play"?

or do you mostly lead with your playing?

I ask this, wondering if a smaller market like Omaha is different from  
major markets.
I have seen a competent lead player kind of burn bridges with some  
local section guys in rehearsal bands. (who were older and played  
great jazz, but did not want to follow as much direction as the lead  
guy was giving out, or who did not like his approach to giving it out.

.
>
> I hope this gives you my perspective on your question, John.
> Mike Vax

It is a great start.