Darcy James Argue wrote:
Hi Chuck, Chris, et al,
I think Chris's point (with which I emphatically agree) is that it's a
little perplexing as to why Gary felt the need to include so many
exotic saxophones -- sopranino; both curved and straight soprano
(neither is "exotic," obviously, but the difference in tone between
them is negligible); both mezzo-soprano and C-melody; bass,
contrabass, *and* subcontrabass saxophones -- in favor of more
commonly-used instruments.
Well, I think the soprano saxes are ok, as there are differences in
tone, but who even owns a C-melody now? I've played in many, many pro
jazz bands, and I've never seen doubles on C-Melody, bass, contrabass,
and subcontra. The only thing I've ever seen SOME of those on was a
production of West Side Story, where there is actually a Bb Bass
saxophone part.
We all agree that bass clarinet is an absolute necessity, and so I'm
VERY VERY grateful that Chuck was able to pull some strings to make
that happen. But I can think of several instruments that would make
more sense for this library than, say, subcontrabass saxophone. None
of them are absolutely glaring omissions like the bass clarinet was,
but I'd certainly be willing to forgo all of the rare saxophones (even
sopranino, a personal favorite of mine) in exchange for any of the
following:
• a "mallet kit" (it currently has only sticks and brushes)
• modern electric guitar with chorus and volume pedal
• acoustic guitar
• Hammond organ
• solo voice (oohs and aahs)
• French horn
• tuba
• solo violin (jazz player)
• accordion
• oboe/English horn
I'd say Tuba, French Horn, Fender Rhodes, Mallets, acoustic/electric
guitar. Honestly, there are Hammond Organ programs out there. I don't
think we really need it, and I think it's more common in a Jazz Band
setting to have a Fender Rhodes than a B3. Jazz violin? Solo Voice?
I think the library needs to cover the basics. Trumpets with all the
mutes. Saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor, bari), and saxophone doubles
(piccolo, flute, alto flute, Bb Clarinet, Bb Bass Clarinet), trombones
with all the mutes, Tuba, standard jazz drum set, a good acoustic piano,
a good fender rhodes, an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, acoustic
and electric bass, and vibes. I think all the other stuff is not really
necessary.
The model should be Jazz Bands. Think Toshiko, Buddy Rich, Gordon
Goodwin, Bob Florance, and perhaps Stan Kenton.
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