WHY DOES IT SOUND BETTER WHEN I STOP PLAYING? (Less is more) Jazz Tactics #32

Miles Davis said the notes are there to frame the space. This video tests the hypothesis that 'less is more' applies to jazz improvisation in the same way it does to many other things in life. The idea is not simply to play fewer notes, but to make your notes more meaningful, both by the composition of the notes you do play and the effect of space created by the notes you don't. Leaving space gives the soloist time to listen and perhaps HEAR something one might not THINK to play. It provides the rhythm section with opportunity to engage and shape the musical conversation. Listeners are given the time and space to absorb and process the music as they hear it. On a physical level, space gives the chops a rest. I could go on...
NOTE TO VIEWERS
This is a re-edited version of one of my very first videos. While my production skills have modestly improved since then, I think it makes the point about as clearly as I am able. Let me know what you think in the comments.
ABOUT THIS SERIES
This is the 32nd video in the Jazz Tactics series, exploring elements of jazz improvisation, based on my book of the same name and a university course that I taught for over thirty years. The sequential videos in this series will provide a solid foundation of understanding of the principles and practices of jazz improvisation, on both aural and intellectual levels. While watching them in order provides the most thorough education, here are a few suggestions from throughout the series.:
Do You Speak Jazz? • YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW T...
What Makes Jazz Jazz? • TRADING FOURS WITH FRE...
Why I Can't Teach You Jazz • WHY I CAN'T TEACH YOU ...
What's So Great About Chet Baker? • TRADING FOURS WITH FRE...
Trading Fours With Freddie Hubbard • TRADING FOURS WITH FRE...
Improvising on Autumn Leaves • IMPROVISING ON AUTUMN ...
Improvising on Sweet Georgia Brown • SWEET GEORGIA BROWN Ja...
Improvising on Rhythm Changes • IMPROVISING ON RHYTHM ...
Improvising on There Will Never Be Another You • IMPROVISING ON ANOTHER...
Improvising on All The Things You Are • IMPROVISING ON ALL THE...
ABOUT THIS CHANNEL
On this channel, jazz trumpeter, educator and author Chase Sanborn offers information and advice for musicians and music appreciators.
PLAYLISTS
This link will take you to all the playlists on this channel:
/ @chasesanborn
LEAVE A TIP
You can leave a tip to support the work that goes into this channel by clicking the THANKS button. Thanks to YOU for watching!
MORE INFORMATION
For more in-depth and personal information and instruction, check out Chase's books and online lesson options on his website:
www.chasesanborn.com

[@chasesanborn]

This is the 32nd video in the Jazz Tactics series. The question addressed is whether playing fewer notes might produce a better jazz solo. Let me know what you think here in the comments, and please leave a LIKE for the TH-cam algorithm!

[@joksal9108]

This of course is what Miles talked about so much-using space.
It lets the listener “absorb” the groove, among other things.

[@chasesanborn]

Miles is definitely the standard bearer.

[@tristanschaper281]

You are 100% right on this. Delivery and spacing (dead space) between the notes/sections is huge.

[@chasesanborn]

Glad you agree!

[@JazzStephane]

Great information! Thank you!

[@chasesanborn]

Thanks for saying so!

[@cingi]

Never knew Phil Collins could also play jazz horn... (in all seriousness, great video and great performance. Please excuse my anticipated joke)

[@chasesanborn]

Robin Williams is another oft-heard comparison. I'm happy to be compared to either of them, even if just based on a faint resemblance.

[@MarkEisenman]

👍 great lesson Chase!

[@chasesanborn]

One you don't need, Mr. Eisenman, but thank you!

[@Jazzmentl]

Excellent Channel! Congrats! Your production quality is excellent. I also appreciate your excellent content/education/story telling skills.

[@chasesanborn]

Your kind words are much appreciated!

[@besson3c]

I find that when I play in jam sessions with very young musicians I play way more than I want to, since it is super hard for me to hear something that stimulates my next line and/or I feel the conversation is one way, and I kind of resort to whatever I feel gives me the best possible feedback loop. Do you have any suggestions? Imagine a stellar response filling in gaps? Tune out what is happening and imagine an entire complete response?

[@magohipnosis]

Respond to the melody! Imagine you're arranging big bad responses

[@chasesanborn]

If playing with younger or inexperienced musicians, I would try and play in a way that elevates their own playing. That in itself is engagement.

[@dennisnajoom9387]

Another excellent session!

[@chasesanborn]

And another excellent comment from Maestro Najoom!

[@MikeM91320]

Love this video. I have been trying to play a little more to backing tracks and just always thought I should play as much as possible but will now try following what you are doing here.

[@chasesanborn]

Let us know how it works for you.

[@MikeM91320]

@@chasesanborn So far I feel like my playing is better but I still am not great at phrasing but jazz is anything we make it, right? Thanks again for the great video.