Space: Do you play with it?

[lorenz_j]

I just finished reading the Autobigraphy of Miles Davis (written with Quincy Troupe) for the umpteenth time.

In his book he talks often about being a proficient musician -- issues such as theory vs feel;  but one theme that he speaks of frequently in his book is that many musicians play too much and dont utilize silence and space in their playing.   He would always say 'Slow down and let the music breath'

When I listen to Miles play, it amazes me how little he plays, but it is etremely powerful!  He plays little and uses space in slow and fast songs, but still comes across in his playing as being extremely expressive.

Are you an organ player that always has to be playing runs with many notes?  Or are you a player that can 'let the music breath', use space, play little and still be heard in a powerful manner?

...just some thoughts to challenge us and make us better musicians

[ferrente]

One should not rush his/her music.

[bishopcole]

One should not rush his/her music.

A Organ player should "MELD" the two together to be effective!  Bishop Cole

[ES7Mike]

One should not rush his/her music.

I understand what he's saying because sometimes when I play I kinda rush through what I do and it doesn't sound all that great. this should mainly be in reference to drummers because alot of times drummers try to add alot of rolls into their playing at certain spots where the music needs to breathe.

[Muziqmann]

A Organ player should "MELD" the two together to be effective!  Bishop Cole

I agree wit the Bishop.  Now I'm working on playing less instead of more silence is a valuable tool on music.

[MewsikHarris32]

Another wise lesson from the Bishop.
I must learn how to meld......

[Big_Al]

Lorenz_1 -  I studied some of his music. In fact, his book is a great book to read about musicians/ and their life on the road. As you know, Miles died poor. In fact, he'd borrow someone's horn while sitting in on jam sessions. Unfortunately, his drug habit caused him to sale his trumpets to support his habits.

He used alot of spacing in his playing. BB (a curse) is famous for this style of playing. As for a great example of spacing, check out Miles Live in Montreal (Jazz Festival). At one point, he stop playing and walks of the stage (unannounced) and leave the musicians out there for 30 minutes. Then, he walks back to the mic, end the song and walks off again. He was the MAN.

GOD Bless

-Al

[lorenz_j]

Lorenz_1 -  I studied some of his music. In fact, his book is a great book to read about musicians/ and their life on the road. As you know, Miles died poor. In fact, he'd borrow someone's horn while sitting in on jam sessions. Unfortunately, his drug habit caused him to sale his trumpets to support his habits.

He used alot of spacing in his playing. BB (a curse) is famous for this style of playing. As for a great example of spacing, check out Miles Live in Montreal (Jazz Festival). At one point, he stop playing and walks of the stage (unannounced) and leave the musicians out there for 30 minutes. Then, he walks back to the mic, end the song and walks off again. He was the MAN.

GOD Bless

-Al

I havent heard that Montreal album -- Ill check that one out.  Lately, Ive been diggin his playing on "Seven Steps to Heaven" and "Nefertiti" (even though Nefertiti gets me depressed) 

I think its good for musicians to every once and a while listen to musicians contrary to their style of play to  get a new perspective on playing and to keep them focused.  The majority of organists I hear focus on speed and playing alot, so listening to someone like Miles can help them open up new musical posibilites and advance their playing.