In my last article I talked about supporting the big band, not getting in the way, and cueing or directing the band. In this article, I’ll be explaining the value of underplaying and the extreme importance of energy levels. For instance:UNDERPLAYINGI said in my first article for MD last year that sometimes a well placed rim shot in an arrangement has more impact than ten thousand notes. The prime example is Buddy Rich’s two bar silent break in Channel One Suite. It’s a perfect place for one of Bud’s incredible fills. The arrangement roars along at full speed and volume with lots of ensemble work and drum fills. Suddenly there’s a dead stop and a massive wall of total silence. This hits the listener with an impact far greater than a huge fill ever would. It’s perfectly timed and perfectly placed. And it’s extremely effective. Shelly Manne was a firm […]

July 1981 Issue