I played three very different gigs this past weekend. The first one was with a blues/R&B band. At the second gig, I was the sub for a smooth jazz group. The third gig was with a 10-piece big band playing Brecker Brothers tunes as well as some great arrangements of jazz and blues standards! I had time to rehearse with the first two groups and make notes, as well as listen to recordings. This helped, but time was short and I was not able to put in as much time as I had wanted to preparation-wise. The third group has charts that are well written. The tunes are pretty hard and there was no rehearsal.
My main objective throughout the weekend was to try to have fun, make it groove and really listen. Even when groups are very well rehearsed, sometimes things go differently up on the bandstand as compared to the rehearsal. I kept my ears open and was able to make adjustments when needed. I found that as long as I was focusing and listening, everything was OK. Was everything perfect? No. However, when something unexpected happened (as it did), then I was able to quickly redirect my drumming and, hopefully, help the band as well. I wasn’t concerned with who made a “mistake.” I was more concerned with making music. The three gigs were big fun and each one of them turned out very musical.
Listen to the recordings, make your own charts, be able to sight read charts, rehearse (if possible) – these are all great. What saved me this weekend?
Listen while you work!
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