So There's 3 Types of Bands As Far As I Can Tell..

[StyleOverShow]

From my experience with jazz/jam bands there's seems to be three 'types' when it comes to playing the "B" section separating solos (in Chameleon for instance):

1. Play the 'riff' exactly 4 times every time (beat it to death band)
2. Play it twice and then right back to the 'groove' (more flexible)
3. Play it as many times feels right and let the groove establish itself (a musical experience)

I know that AABBAA forms are important in appearing tight, but when the solos are going, let it breath.

So where category do you fall into: got to know; or go with the flow?

I prefer the 3rd but seem to play often with the beaters.

[Sartori]

We don't play that type of music.

[JohnMCA72]

Originally Posted by Sartori

We don't play that type of music.

So, I guess that makes 4 types, then?

[recreate.me]

I'm not in a jazz/jam band, so its all structured. Each song has its parts and they seem to be consistent. I'm trying to throw some flow in there but the rest of the guys insist that the songs play as they were written with no changes...

[GreggBummer]

We tend to feel our way through it. We sort of rehearse it the "beat it to death" way and then once we tighten it up we "go with the flow" seems to be more our style. We play jam/blues kind of stuff, but with a jazz sensibility. Really, we just watch who ever is leading the band on that song and wait for him give us "THE NOD".

Never know what might happen.

[John Wentzien]

Gimme the "NOD"

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by StyleOverShow

3. Play it as many times feels right and let the groove establish itself (a musical experience)

Yup, this is us. Improv Rock band. Everything is made up as we go along and we let the music take its natural course. THE NOD, that keeps everyone in check.

[Sartori]

Originally Posted by JohnMCA72

So, I guess that makes 4 types, then?

At least four types. It's a common, but mistaken assumption to assume that everybody plays music that works the same way was the music one plays oneself. Some of my band's songs do not have solos, or necessarily repeating parts.... the closest would be one that I guess would be something like this:

ABAA'CC'DEE'FA''A'BA'

That one actually has a solo and repeating sections, but others don't. They're not really written that way.

[Deluge Of Sound]

We're a 3.5 band.

We beat the groove to death by playing the original riff for as long as possible.

[peterpalmieri]

In a jazz context the most common form is AABA so what seperates solos in most cases is the final A section not the B section.

Every tune is different and many have an accepted solo format that may be the same or different then the head.

In any case if I'm soloing over the B section of any tune I want to know when we're going back to the A in advance so I can plan my solo accordingly. If you are thinking melodically in your solo it would be kind of strange is someone cut off my idea or if I wanted it to resolve back to the A section and the band decided to continue on for another 4 bars.

Maybe I misunderstand the question because it seems slightly odd to me?

[shadow_FIX]

Depends on the players. If you're getting together with anyone that is relatively new to jazz, or hasn't gigged enough, throwing a curveball on a gig or doing something different/not written in the chart/something crazy in the solos will likely make that player crash and burn. Now if you're playing with seasoned guys, they've been "messed with" on gigs before likely (messed with in a very good way) and you don't have to do everything cut and dry.

It also depends on the gig. I wouldn't take anything too far outside the box at a cocktail party, wedding reception, etc., but if it's at a club or something, it's time to have fun!

Hope this helps!

[StyleOverShow]

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

Gimme the "NOD"

That's the point where continuity is re-established.

Have seen the built up energy of a solo wasted by (too many) repetitions of the generic "B" section.

When the soloist bows (or nods) out, then it's over and the groove should 'reform' around the next soloist's vibe.

Read a Thomas Pychon character refer to it as 'hovering around the root'. Not a bad description.

[lkngro]

Personally, I am a type 3 guy. However, my band and I aren't established enough and don't have enough chemistry to do that, so I guess we're a type 2.

[somegeezer]

I like to play a lot of Progressive stuff. Many different section. Sometimes you play a section a few times and never see it again after. There can be section only 1 bar long or ones that go on for 5 minutes. Anything can happen. But it does have a written structure. It's not just getting on stage and making it up.

[jkdahlman]

Interesting observation. I play jazz almost exclusively, with a number of bands of different abilities.
Some are real beaters where accurate time is a rare commodity, but the cash is good. I still haven't figured out how these guys work so much. All I know is I have to work hard to keep every one aiming the same direction.
One or two bands like to stick to the chart. Fine, good to know where we are.
Then there's my own band. As we posses one communal brain, #3 it is. As a sub drummer once asked at the end of the first set: "So it's once down, then game on?"

It still depends on the tune, the highly melodic or complex stuff usually needs to be adhered to as extra space in the middle throws off the line/changes. Especially if there are figured backing parts or kicks. Breathing room usually comes at the end of the form as an interlude or open section.