Tuesday, October 4, 2016

What Did You Miss This Week (Week 461 #506)

Accompaniment Playing!!!
We had extra time last night and invited Richard to sing one. Joe recruited an accompaniment player and suddenly we had an impromptu accompaniment lesson happening! Two others played through the same song - cheers to Richard for slogging through it three times for us! - and we all got a great chance to hear three approaches and to learn from all of them.

We talked about how important it is to listen and respond to the vocalist, filling holes, taking volume cues from them and knowing just how to support without swamping the singer. It takes practice of course and everyone should know we're always open to you backing someone up in B1 in order to get practice and critique.

Joe wrapped up too by saying that for his taste, one of the best traditional Chicago Blues accompaniment players on the scene right now is Martin Lang, so catch him in action and learn from him when you can.

Class Notes
  • Joe will be out of town touring Europe Oct 17 through Nov 7. Private lessons fall out, but group classes continue as usual with Zoe and Grant taking the helm. Note that Rhythm & Chording classes will start a half hour earlier at 2:00pm.
  • Performance Class records Oct 17 - be sure the band knows what you're going to record.

- Grant Kessler, B1 Blues Crew

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