Jazz

This is my 1st attempt at some jazz music. I just got JABB and had to try it out. It's very short, but the two ideas in it don't seem to want to go any further. I composed the 2nd idea first, but like the first one better.
It is scored for Alto Sax, Piano, Trombone w/straight mute and bass.
Here is the MP3
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It's good for a first shot... You say there's two main ideas, and I have a hard time sorting out one from the next. There's a LOT going on here - often too much.

Simplify.

The riff at the very beginning could be turned into an entire piece - but it's stated, and then disappears. There just seems to be no clear direction of where you're taking it, and it just flows (randomly) from one phrase to the next.

The two horns seems to be completely independent from each other, as if they're playing different pieces. I say, pare it down a bit, the bass vamp is cool - work with that. A clean, simple melody will be much more effective...

The bass and piano can give enough rhythmic/harmonic foundation that the horns needn't be flying all over the place like that...

Just a couple thoughts...One more - who do you listen to, jazz-wise?

Originally Posted by robinjessome

It's good for a first shot... You say there's two main ideas, and I have a hard time sorting out one from the next. There's a LOT going on here - often too much.

Simplify.

The riff at the very beginning could be turned into an entire piece - but it's stated, and then disappears. There just seems to be no clear direction of where you're taking it, and it just flows (randomly) from one phrase to the next.

The two horns seems to be completely independent from each other, as if they're playing different pieces. I say, pare it down a bit, the bass vamp is cool - work with that. A clean, simple melody will be much more effective...

The bass and piano can give enough rhythmic/harmonic foundation that the horns needn't be flying all over the place like that...

Just a couple thoughts...One more - who do you listen to, jazz-wise?

Thank you Robin for proving that 2 people can differ on an issue, yet still communicate. I knew something was not right with this, and it is that too much is going on. As the resident jazz master, I am glad you think this is a fair first piece. I won't say good..... I wrote the second half of this yesterday and the first half today and a small transistion (the piano riff) between. The trombone definately needs some work as well. As to who I listen too, In the last year I have listened to you and a couple of other pieces written here. I used to listen to a radio station that played this style of jazz from time to time, but don't remember any of their names. Years ago I used to go to "The Jazz Alley" outside of Seattle by the University.
Mostly this piece was to try out JABB and begin my journey into composing some Jazz. Thanks for the listen and the tips.

Originally Posted by rolifer

...As to who I listen too, In the last year I have listened to you and a couple of other pieces written here. I used to listen to a radio station that played this style of jazz from time to time, but don't remember any of their names. ...

You need to buy some cd's, man! The best thing you can do, if trying to get into jazz at all, is listen to it!

Keep it coming, though!

I am too poor to buy anything until I get my school loans, but if you know some good youtube pieces or such, I will give them a listen.

Originally Posted by rolifer

I am too poor to buy anything until I get my school loans, but if you know some good youtube pieces or such, I will give them a listen.

Shoot me a PM, let me know what sort of jazz you're into, and I'll...hook you up.

Also, if you haven't already, check out my Masterclass - Jazz: History, Styles and Artists. ...some of the audio files are missing on the old posts, but the youtube links are good, and the new posts are up and running.

robin is definite right, this piece is way too busy in the horn section. this is almost miles in his "i'm too doped up to know whats going on years" but even then his stuff wasn't too busy, out there yea but not busy. it sounds almost mingusish the way the horns are kind of doing their own thing but like i said i think robins definitely right, you need to listen to some stuff and figure out what you like and take some ideas from them. good stuff though, once you clean/weed out some parts.

Ron, on a general comment.

Very usually your music is really busy. It doesn't have to be this way. I know that in the way advancing one, often seems to think that the more the merrier, but it is not always the case.

I also know that you love fast car, fast women and fast music, but try the slow things for once

On the track at hand:

I actually enjoyed it very much. You have great talent in creating rifs in any style of music, and the fact that you try your hands to everything is only great!

Orchestration wise, you could try to switch places to some instruments and not have the sax playing ALL the time... It could use some variation.

Mxiing wise the rhithmic section is rather low in volume, try setting it a bit higher,as well as the piano at places.

Great first piece though!

Interesting first piece - I'm looking forward to the next version/piece.
This radio station webcasts classical early in the day, jazz later on - and publishes playlists.

WRCJ 90.9 - We Are Classical & Jazz | Home

Originally Posted by rolifer

Years ago I used to go to "The Jazz Alley" outside of Seattle by the University.

Nice, I've been there a couple of a times... it's a cool place

Anyways, I agree with what's all been said. Simplify it and don't have too much going on. I look forward to hearing more.