Lead players...monologue or dialogue

Jazzaferri · July 2015

I watched Christiaan Hemert's video on rhythm today. I fundamentally disagree with him on the role of rhythm guitar...Imy role model for rhythm is Django... IMO no one could do it better. But it got me thinking.....so LEAD players....PLEASE CHIME IN

Do you prefer rhythm almost computer like in following chord progression chorus after chorus (monologue) where you are in total control of where it goes harmonically but expect the rhythm player to be sensitive to your changing dynamics ( if you do that). OR

Do you prefer the rhythm player to have a harmonic dialogue with you (assuming your rhythm player is skilled enough to use complimentary chord subs, alternate voicings and changes of rhythmic feel so you end up having a conversation.

Keep in mind there is no right way or wrong way....there is just your way...which is right for you. LOL. I am curious.

adrian · July 2015

OK, I'll bite. I'd say both, actually! Too much of either option would get a bit boring. :-)

Adrian

jonpowl · July 2015

Gonzalo Bergara talks about this in a DC Music School video starting around 2:08:

Bob Holo · July 2015

adrian wrote: »

OK, I'll bite. I'd say both, actually! Too much of either option would get a bit boring. :-)

Adrian

Haha... that's exactly what went through my mind upon reading that post.

Though I will say this - dialog is a LOT harder than monologue if the crowd is loud or the PA/monitors are soft or the material is new or if the musicians haven't played together much, so maybe there is a situational element in there somewhere

dennis · July 2015

didnt get to watch the entire christiaan video, but i think every situation is different...

a certain degree of interaction is very important, i find. in many situations, the soloist should feel free at all times and should lead the rhythm section in the interaction process... that said, there is definitely a style where it s really an equal exchange and the line between accompanist and solois is very blurry.. i think that can only work with the very best of musicians, just like the kanye west and beyonce collaboration

Jon · July 2015

I think it's all about context. In a full band, with bass, two guitars minimum, and maybe a horn soloist etc, there's plenty going on to keep interest up already. In a duet with a soloist, or a band with only one rhythm guitarist, you can, and probably should do a lot more to fill up the texture.

Django does play great this way - of course - but never in the context of "second chair" rhythm guitar, because he was never second chair. If you're second chair, it's another matter. I, for one, love being second chair, and if I'm soloing, I generally want the other guy to return the favour and not try to steal my seat from under me - unlike comping for a horn, comping for another guitar is especially difficult because there's no timbral separation, making it very easy to step on toes.

That said, to each his own. Aesthetically though, I prefer a little less jazz in my jazz manouche, if you know what I mean.

Jim Kaznosky · July 2015

It depends on who I am playing rhythm for. Some players I've played with prefer a steady beat under them, with a basic harmony. Some non-guitar players I've played with like a bit more dynamics if you are in control of your playing.
There's a big difference between someone that can add to the dynamics and what not because they listen and can communicate back and someone who adds stuff because they want to add stuff.

Scoredog · July 2015

Good question...Playing jazz and groove jazz I like the dialogue more than in GJ. I don't want the rhythm player to dictate my solo and as a rhythm player I only go off the beaten path if I hear the soloist go to a certain alteration, then I "might follow him". I figure my job as a rhythm player is first keep good time and feel, and change dynamics per what the soloist is doing. The conversation is secondary to those details. In a regular rhythm section gig the time falls more to the drummer so the conversation opens up some...just my 2cents.

Hemert · July 2015

I'm not completely sure the message of the video was clearly understood. The video deals with very simple, straight rhythm playing, mostly during jam sessions. I'd hate to hear 5 guitar players trying out fancy stuff during the solo of the 6th player.

Also - and this is the clue - there's a huge, a HUGE difference between the role of the rhythm player comping the violin solo and the lead guitar player comping that same solo. If I'm playing a violin solo I like the solo player to be very busy actually. So if he's busy and I'm busy (playing a fiddle solo) what's the rhythm player gonna do? Hopefully straight rhythm!

I know it's a long video but watching it to the end does make things a lot clearer!

Buco · July 2015

Where can I see this video?
Other than that I have nothing else to add...other than what mom used to say "if you've got nothing worthwhile to add to the conversation then better keep quiet".