Ideal Instrumentation for a first-time gigger

PRUNEFACE · #1 03-07-2011, 11:48 AM

What do you feel would be the most beneficial instrumentation for a jazz group for a first time gigger -what would I benefit most from? (and by instrumentation I mean piano trio, quartet, duos etc.)
What type of group would I (as a bassist) learn the most from regarding playing out and functioning in a non-written, mostly improvised group?

Herbie 80's · #2 03-07-2011, 04:52 PM

Do all of them.

Lynn Seaton · #3 03-08-2011, 06:48 AM

There are benefits to all types of gigs. These may include: playing and learning standards, getting to walk basslines all night to build endurance, and taking solos. If you get to play with experienced players, you will certainly learn a lot. If there are fewer players, you will probably have more solos but walk less behind more variety of soloists.

PRUNEFACE · #4 03-08-2011, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Herbie 80's

Do all of them.

I wish that was an option. It's hard establishing even a normal jazz trio here. The only place that has a legitimate piano has already been "struck" by me -I plan on playing a night as a duo thing with the pianist this week.