Listening Skill/Awarness

[eunchang]

Hi Janek, my name is Eun-Chang and I had posted a couple of questions here. I hope you can share your insights once again.

I have been working as a jazz bassist locally. I have this feeling that many of my fellow musicians with whom I get to play hold very strong improvisation skills while they don't listen to the other musicians close enough.

However, sometimes master jazz musicians like Pat Metheny or Keith Jarrett have that 'look' that they don't actively listen to the other musicians on stage. They look like they are so focused on themselves own when they play, even though I personally don't want to think that was the case. Because I repect them so much.

Of course there are many other great musicians that have that 'look' of active listening. I understand the 'look' can be misleading.


To sum up my vague question, is that always the case that master improvisors are master listeners as well on stage? How closely do they listen to each other when they are improvising?


Thanks in advance. Anybody who wants to share stories please do not hesitate.

Eun-Chang

[jmorbita]

I find this question really interesting, since I felt something similar happening in my own band... one of the members in the band has this great ear, and gives great advice to everyone as to what one might add or leave out, and yet when it comes down to what he plays i sometimes feel he is not really connected to the others...

[Mike McGibney]

Great question - I look forward to Janek's thoughts when he's back from his massive tour!

[JimmyM]

i think the best improvisers are the best listeners. i think the ones who don't listen often sound like they don't listen. that's why pat metheny is there and your circle of friends aren't

[janekbass]

in an interactive situation with other musicians involved listening is probably one of the most important things there is. It's like having a conversation with friends and just talking all the time, it would soon get really boring and no one would want to listen to what you have to say. It's exactly the same with music. Listening to what's going on around is not only polite and essential, but it's a great source of inspiration for what to play next. Playing off those musicians around you can push you in directions you never knew you were capable of. And for me that's the most exciting thing about making music with other people.

Easy,

Janek