On Jun 23, 2007, at 1:51 PM, Christopher Smith wrote:
We have a tougher time in jazz bands. The traditional
instrumentation is dynamically out of whack to begin with, and few
bands compensate for this in a way that would satisfy my musical
vision. (It is possible to do - check out The Sultans of Swing
recordings for a contemporary example, or the Basie, Ellington and
Mulligan bands for historical standards of balances that work.)
Are you referring particularly to the drums and bass? I would agree
with you in that case, but in the case of the winds, the
traditional sectional setups are actually quite well-balanced
naturally, particularly compared with orchestral winds, which have
all kinds of inconsistencies to deal with. And I wouldn't leave Gil
Evans out the list of guys who work with balance quite well, though
in his case it is often extreme examples that noone can figure out
why they work as they do.
Yes, I guess I am referring to that, the traditional rhythm section
in general. It is not inherently balanced within itself, nor does it
balance well with the winds. The piano is often overwhelmed, and the
bass can only do so much before it is drowned out. I am not getting
in to issues of amplification here. That is a discussion that has
taken place earlier - as usual, without a universally accepted
resolution. I am comfortable with no electronic amplification and
balance adjustments made in the band that allow everything to be
heard in reasonable proportion. I don't think I have much to add to
the conventional wisdom of folks who eschew amplification of the
piano and bass. The horns play much softer much more of the time,
and this helps. This must be done while maintaining fullness of
timbre and terrific attack (ah, I miss New York for that). I don't
think there's much chance of programming that into midi playback.
Everything longer than a quarter note needs a shaped envelope, and
that shape changes according to many factors. And the drummer is the
de facto dynamic controller of the band (when things are working
right). If you've got a good one, you're in heaven. Otherwise, the
other place.
Chuck Israels
230 North Garden Terrace
Bellingham, WA 98225-5836
phone (360) 671-3402
fax (360) 676-6055
www.chuckisraels.com
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