Saxophone beginners Going to jam session tomorrow night

[JSL]

I learned by an older blues and Rock sax player that backing is a sign from the the other hornplayers that we liked the solo and wanted the solist to play more. Just repeating a basick lick/riff based on the chord tones. Sometimes the older player said; I take the third and you play the fifth. That's improvisng as well!?!?!

That's great when you can get it together with another horn player who understands how to sync up with a backing riff. Especially if you can do a harmony (1 & 3rd, or 3rd & 5th, etc.). Is it improvising? Well, if you improvise the riff or horn line, yes, it is (the Count Basie band was reputed to improvise backing riffs on the spot). There are also 'signature' riffs on certain tunes that are good to know; in that case you aren't really improvising them, but that doesn't really matter.

I should add that you have to be careful when playing a backing line. You don't want to interfere with the soloist, so it's best not to overdo it or play too loud. Also, it's not necessary, or even desirable, to play a backing riff all the way through someone's solo. Better to come in maybe on the second chorus for a time, then lay out again. Keep it 'tasteful'. And often best to just stay out.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Bear in mind, just because the first one was bad and the second one was good, it doesn't mean the third one will be great. It can always go bad for unexpected reasons. 😉

 

[AlonW]

Bear in mind, just because the first one was bad and the second one was good, it doesn't mean the third one will be great. It can always go bad for unexpected reasons. 😉

I think the meaning of it going ‘bad’ is not a curse, I mean it doesn’t matter what happens ultimately. I’ve been trying to play music since I was a teenager, and I’d say it’s been bad most of the time, in terms of dealing with my fears and lack of technical ability, but it’s really only when I let go of what happens that it gets easier. A moment of fear doesn’t have to turn into a downward spiral. 🌀 it’s easier to try to just let things happen. If it goes well, it goes well, if it goes bad, there’s always next time!

 

[JSL]

It might be well to remember that playing music isn't like doing heart surgery. If you make a mistake, no one is going to get hurt. That doesn't mean you shouldn't constantly work on improving. The better you play, the more fun you'll have, the more fun your bandmates will have, and the more the audience will appreciate it. Still, no one's life is on the line.

 

[AlonW]

It might be well to remember that playing music isn't like doing heart surgery. If you make a mistake, no one is going to get hurt. That doesn't mean you shouldn't constantly work on improving. The better you play, the more fun you'll have, the more fun your bandmates will have, and the more the audience will appreciate it. Still, no one's life is on the line.

It just doesn’t FEEL that way sometimes. Having an awful time at a jam session can feel very painful. It can even lead to drinking and drugs.

 

[turf3]

It might be well to remember that playing music isn't like doing heart surgery. If you make a mistake, no one is going to get hurt...

Yeah? Tell it to Jimmy Knepper.

 

[PiccoloPirate]

Having an awful time at a jam session can feel very painful. It can even lead to drinking and drugs.

It can be caused by, drinking and drugs:
Lithium Lullaby.
Scotched Up My Solo.
My Memory Went to Pot.
The Dots Are Moving Again.
Tip Toe, Thru The Poppies.
Cymbal Cut My Throat,.....
aka: Put Down Mad Dog Parker. 🎶🏴‍☠️🎶

 

[JSL]

Yeah? Tell it to Jimmy Knepper.

Yeah, point taken! However, most (none?) of us don't play with anyone like Mingus. But I guess there's always exceptions to most declarations.

 

[thomsax]

That's great when you can get it together with another horn player who understands how to sync up with a backing riff. Especially if you can do a harmony (1 & 3rd, or 3rd & 5th, etc.). Is it improvising? Well, if you improvise the riff or horn line, yes, it is (the Count Basie band was reputed to improvise backing riffs on the spot). There are also 'signature' riffs on certain tunes that are good to know; in that case you aren't really improvising them, but that doesn't really matter.

I should add that you have to be careful when playing a backing line. You don't want to interfere with the soloist, so it's best not to overdo it or play too loud. Also, it's not necessary, or even desirable, to play a backing riff all the way through someone's solo. Better to come in maybe on the second chorus for a time, then lay out again. Keep it 'tasteful'. And often best to just stay out.

I didn't play solo(s) at jams in the beginning. Many songs were instrumental R&B songs like "Last Night" (Mar-Keys), "Coming Home Baby" (Bo-Keys). . It was to play a few tones or a lick and to stay calm during solos. And players who wanted to stretch out in a solo did so .... ."Keep your eyes and ears open so you catch the signs". A good way to learn to play with others.

Songs like "Midningt In Memphis" (J.J.Cale) (G) or/and "Bring It On Home (W.Dixon) here with Peps Persson are good jam songs. 12 bar blues ...... .

View: https://youtu.be/kiMmGkBBdFY?si=E-kon75ILH2mZpw6

View: https://youtu.be/iXPyPy2w0mo?si=srWMKs603KHE81uh

 

[Grumps]

Having an awful time at a jam session can feel very painful. It can even lead to drinking and drugs.

Usually, it's the other way around.

 

[JayeNM]

Too many to count

Sounds like a Jazz jam in SoCal 😳

 

[JayeNM]

Bear in mind, just because the first one was bad and the second one was good, it doesn't mean the third one will be great. It can always go bad for unexpected reasons. 😉

For those keeping score in your Game Program....

First wasn't a disaster, second was a disaster, third was significantly better than first...if memory serves...

 

[AlonW]

Raise your hands if you’ve got dreams and aspirations that you’re trying to reach!

This is not a cliche.

Whatever you want to do in this life, if you give it your all, you don’t listen to what anybody says if it’s not positive, and you put your mind to it, you’re gonna be exactly what you want to be in this life.

 

[Targa]

Raise your hands if you’ve got dreams and aspirations that you’re trying to reach!

This is not a cliche.

Whatever you want to do in this life, if you give it your all, you don’t listen to what anybody says if it’s not positive, and you put your mind to it, you’re gonna be exactly what you want to be in this life.

30 years younger?

 

[Targa]

Raise your hands if you’ve got dreams and aspirations that you’re trying to reach!

This is not a cliche.

Whatever you want to do in this life, if you give it your all, you don’t listen to what anybody says if it’s not positive, and you put your mind to it, you’re gonna be exactly what you want to be in this life.

Twenty years younger?

 

[mizmar]

30 years younger?

Worked for me, yo bruv!

 

[Targa]

Worked for me, yo bruv!

That’s weird you picked up what I’d keyed nearly two hours earlier but looked like it hadn’t ‘sent’ so I rekeyed differently and that worked.
Maybe your time slip had more of an effect than you thought.

 

[thomsax]

Raise your hands if you’ve got dreams and aspirations that you’re trying to reach!

This is not a cliche.

Whatever you want to do in this life, if you give it your all, you don’t listen to what anybody says if it’s not positive, and you put your mind to it, you’re gonna be exactly what you want to be in this life.

Follow your heart!

It's never too late. I get lots of wise comments from others; ... maybe you should try smaller tip opening and softer reeds ... , .... less volume why don't you blow into a microphone .... At 70+ I can still play the sax as I could when was 25, why stop just becasue I'm 70+? I'm grateful I still can.

 

[PiccoloPirate]

Setting goals is most important.
Knowing your limitations, both physical and mental, is important, and if trying to overcome them, be kind to yourself.

 

[AlonW]

Setting goals is most important.
Knowing your limitations, both physical and mental, is important, and if trying to overcome them, be kind to yourself.

I have used positivity and kindness (to myself) to overcome my impatience as I’m learning. I think forcing oneself is not conducive to good music, so taking breaks (knowing limitations!) is important. But I also believe in the limitless energy of our own true selves, when we are as free as possible from the things that hold us back: fear, confusion, anger, impatience, jealousy, and sadness/depression.