The biggest constructive criticism of jazz players I hear other jazz players making about them is lack of space. In fact, that particular criticism leaves all others in the dust. This is really interesting and something Id like to analyze. It seems as though many jazz musicians go around with the words leave space on their lips, but rarely does it actually happen. In fact, let me rephrase that - I dont even know whether it happens or not because I dont know how each individual who speaks of this defines their own personal idea of space. However, its almost more cool to SAY leave space (while in coffee table type discussion with other jazz musicians) then to actually DO it. Nevertheless, we seem to hold an extreme amount of value in the concept of leave space (the stepsister to that concept being - the notes you dont play are just as important as the ones you do, or something like that). Is it really that widespread of a problem among jazz players?? The frequency at which I hear the whole leave space thing rolling off of peoples lips would cause you to think that everyone and their mother are overplaying - and its a pressing problem that we need to fix immediately! I mean, I get it.....I think. I am just generally uncomfortable with people speaking in very vague terms - and the instruction to leave space is very vague to me. After 28 years of playing jazz, I still dont know what that means. The typical response to my concern is - It means to not fill up every measure with notes and overplay. Ok...... what does THAT mean? Was Bird supposed to leave more space when he played over Koko? Im convinced that some musicians are more attracted to colloquial phrases than attempting to fulfill in real life what the phrase is describing. When someone instructs to leave space and doesnt follow that up with anything more substantive, its empty generalization and nothing else.
Posted on: Sat, 17 May 2014 03:12:55 +0000
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