Dec
13
2008
Maytag – Gerry Mulligan
Author: Rick• From “The Age of Steam” Amazon.com
There’s a lot to enjoy on this 1971 recording but one thing stands out every time I listen to it – the entrances by the soloists. Sure, creative, uncomplicated but interesting.
Amateurs often have a problem starting a solo. Often the entrance is a few hesitant, stumbling notes, the musical equivalent of conversational “uhmmm” or “well, let’s see. . .”, killing time until something useful comes to mind. Or there’s a great flurry of notes, typically an well-rehearsed lick or scale. This is the “wow, listen to me” beginning, which normally results in the soloist realizing “Oh oh, just blew my best stuff – now what do I do?”. Or there’s a bombastic couple of notes announcing “I’m a trombone (trumpet, pick your favorite instrument), and I can play real loud!”.
Maytag provides a good lesson in how to do it right. (more…)
