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Common Jazz Band Problem
By Dr. Donald Bastarache
Prof. Of Jazz Studies at Westfield State College,
Westfield, Massachusetts
RHYTHM
- Lack of intensity and definition when using brushes
- Bass, not enough treble/mid-range
- Comping conflicts between piano and guitar
- Guitarist lacking understanding of jazz comping and
sound
- Positioning of bass player to hi-hat
- Improper tuning of drum heads (especially jazz charts)
- Constant use of foot pedal by the piano player
- Drummer’s lack of understanding for swing/jazz feel
- Two/four feel lacking from hi-hat
- Bass drum too loud
Miscellaneous
- Too much separation between rhythm section and wind
instruments
- Positioning of baritone sax and bass trombone
- Over doubling (ex. 10 saxophones)
- Interpreting the jazz eighth note incorrectly
- Rushing of forte passages
Chart Selection
- Charts too difficult of easy for the band
- Neglecting the jazz ballad
- Charts not being festival quality
- More than one rock chart for a Jazz
festival
Sound
- Horn bells in stands
- Loudness factor especially on rock charts
- Microphone placement for solos
- Dynamics lacking especially on rock charts
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