Need advice on trading 4's (jazz)

Blake Bass · #1 02-19-2007, 05:56 PM

I've had the opportunity to play with a few really good drummers lately. Most of them don't loose me when trading fours, but one guy is so advanced that I sometimes get lost when he solos. I have a hard time finding one again. Anyone have any advice on how to practice this?

Jeff Moote · #2 02-19-2007, 06:24 PM

Counting.

Sometimes when drummers get a bit "out" (and yes, this isn't a bad thing, necessarily at all) you just need to ignore them and count. They're probably going to keep good time, so just come back in 4 bars later.

steveb98 · #3 02-19-2007, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blake Bass

I've had the opportunity to play with a few really good drummers lately. Most of them don't loose me when trading fours, but one guy is so advanced that I sometimes get lost when he solos. I have a hard time finding one again. Anyone have any advice on how to practice this?

Tap your foot and count. Not being a wise guy, but if you know his playing the time disappears, you have to keep the time yourself. In situation like that I will start counting to myself a bar ahead. You might find the drummer's time isn't as good as he thinks.

Blake Bass · #4 02-20-2007, 11:16 AM

I guess I'll be counting... starting a bar in advance is a good idea..Thanks

BigDawg · #5 02-20-2007, 11:19 AM

Yup, I find myself tapping my foot all of the time. If he does go off on a tangent, you can maintain and also give him something to play back into (if he is listening to you as well).

202dy · #6 02-20-2007, 07:53 PM

In jazz, typically it is the bass player that is the pulse. Most of us start our careers playing rock. We learn to rely on the drummer and hear the snare on two and four. It becomes a crutch. When playing jazz (or anything else, for that matter) everyone is responsible for time. If the drummer takes it out it is up to us to stay in it.

Wolf · #7 02-22-2007, 10:16 AM

I find that while mere foot-tapping can work great for keeping
time for yourself - a more advanced form of body-language
can help in conveying a solid time feel for the rest of the
band.

Learn your co-players's ticks, and develop a couple of
your own. I for one have a tendency to throw my head back
and lift my chin up on the 4, and then drop it down on
the one. I exagerate it everytime I feel someone might get
lost. I also kinda bob my head left and right (as if playing
b-ball defense) to count the subdivisions.
I feel that these subtle movements, when used properly,
can really help sync up the band during the rough-spots.