When I introduce new tunes to school Jazz Ensembles, I work the rhythm section FIRST! Everything the horns play will be influenced by the feel in the rhythm section. Ask things like:
– How do the swing 8ths feel? (ride cymbal)
– How driving or laid back is this music? (Bass and drums)
– How do the 16th notes feel in this hip-hop funk tune? (Drums)
– What’s the repeated syncopation in this Latin tune? (Drums and Percussion)
It’s all right there! So, make the rhythm section sound great before everyone else starts playing. Find a place in the chart that just grooves time. “Loop” 4-8 bars until it feels good. Let the horns listen to the feel. This helps when everyone starts playing.
By Kris Berg, composer