This Month's Topic: Phrasing

WELL, I am back. I know this one is a little late so excuse me for that. There has been a lot going on since my last newsletter but, here we go.

Today I am talking about accompanying other musicians or vocalists.

In my career I have played with numerous other musicians and vocalists and I want you to know that although we all like to be front and center there are times we have to step back and let someone else have the spotlight. I know it's rough - but you can do it! The one thing you have to remember when playing behind someone is you are following them and not the other way around. You also have to be conscious of your volume, and that is very important. When you are playing behind someone always and I mean always know that if you can't hear them singing or playing the solo you should come down. This is that person's time to shine.

Another thing is you don't have to play a whole lot of a lot of licks and fills. Let the soloist, whether instrumentalist or vocalist, have some space to improvise. Choose your spaces and keep the phrases short and sweet.. LESS IS MORE. I use that saying all the time because sometimes we tend to overplay when someone else is soloing or singing. Don't get me wrong, we have all done it...I know I did. What makes for a great player is the ability to know what fits and when it fits, not using every lick you know while this person is doing their thing. Also, try listening to the words or the context of the solo someone is playing and do little answers to what is already being played. Please, don't just go off on some wild crazy trip thinking that everything you play works...IT DOESN'T.

Another important thing and I mean very important is to make sure you are in tune. Nothing is worse than you playing along with others and you are out of tune. I mean it happens, especially to us guitar players because we bend and stretch the strings so much...But, be aware of your tuning all the time. A tuner is great but you need to also be able to hear when you are in or out of tune.

Drummers, you don't have to play a roll or fill every other bar. You can also shorten some of the fills you do play. Long drum fills tend to throw a lot of people off, especially if they don't know if you will get back to the one. Just hang in the pocket and you will get a lot of calls to jam with others.

I guess that covers most of what I wanted to say about comping (accompanying). Before I go I want to say that the holidays are fast approaching so be careful and be safe and watch out for each other out there.

Next time I want to talk about something a little different and that is attitude and discipline when it comes to playing music. Until next time Be Good and PRACTICE.

P.S. I also will accept and answer as many questions as possible so if there is something you want me to talk about let me know. I know a few things but not how to read minds LOL

Peace, Nick

P.S. Forward this newsletter to your friends or sign them up yourself by sending an email to jazz@nickcolionne.com. Adults welcome, too, but they need to ask to be added to the list!!!