Before dealing with specifics, it is important to have some general ideas about what a fill should be and what a fill should do. The fill must be in time. It should not rush or drag. The fill should maintain the rhythmic interpretation and style of the music, or “chart.” For example, one would probably not use a fill figure consisting of “straight” 8ths and 16ths (as in rock, funk, and Latin) when playing a medium tempo swing built on a rhythmic foundation of “swung” 8ths. The fill should maintain the dynamic level of the ensemble unless otherwise indicated. Fills must facilitate, not hinder, the entrance of the band. Save the fireworks for your solo. In general, rhythmic simplicity will ensure your accuracy and the band’s confidence in you. Fills are not “short solos.” They should not stand out. They should sound like part of the chart by maintaining the […]

December 1983 Issue