Bass, drums, and saxophone. What else?

[Mike12344567]

So, me and my friends started a jazz/blues "band" Im on bass, we have a drummer and a saxophone,we all have the elements to play the type of music but were missing something. We have had a key board guy he was great but he was a huge stoner... So we gave him the boot. We played at a (highschool) party last night and got some good reviews, and some good feed back.

We need a lead instrument is what someone said. I feel like the saxophone was the lead. And that if we add a guitar there will be too much going on. Anybody have an idea on what to do? Me and my band are in a stnad still on what to do

 

[Space Pickle]

If the sax player is good you don't need a chord axe. If he's not there yet, then add a comping instrument e.g. keys/guitar/vibes.

 

[bearfoot]

Banjo was used in early jazz, pre-electric guitar, and sounds great in blues also. Does chords without muddying and clean leads w short sustain that I think is a compliment to the long sustain of sax and bass guitar.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Keys or guitar. Essential, no. Will it makes everybody's life (especially you) easier?

Dog, yes.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Cowbell.

Steer clear of harmonica.

Bonus if the sax player takes up congas on the side for when your piano/gatman has a solo.

 

[Mike12344567]

Thanks everyone! our sax player is a senior in jazz band hes pretty good. We think that were gonna stick with the trio

 

[buldog5151bass]

The fewer members, the more $$$ each per gig.

 

[buldog5151bass]

A jazz trio can be the most fun for you, but the most challenging. You have to be able to outline all the chord changes - a lot more difficult than when you have someone like guitar or keys actually playing the chords. If you can do that where the sax player is comfortable where he is in the songs at all times, that is saying something good about your playing.

 

[Mike12344567]

Im not gonna lie chord changes are a bit challenging. Im working on how to make them easier and getting better at them

 

[mellowinman]

Harmonica. Trust me. War used sax and harmonica as their entire horn section, and it was fantastic. Maybe add some percussion. Be unique!

 

[Fishyfishfish]

My friend does a smooth jazz trio /4 piece, and they get way more compliments and gigs of the trio. The guitar player scares most clients.

 

[randyripoff]

 

[Downunderwonder]

Harmonica. Trust me. War used sax and harmonica as their entire horn section, and it was fantastic. Maybe add some percussion. Be unique!

good luck finding a harmonica player that doesn't try to solo over everything plus all the fills.

 

[40Hz]

Don't know how much or what type of "blues" you're doing...but IMHO blues always works better with a vocalist.

Otherwise find a keyboard player who knows how to stay off the low end as much as possible (i.e. knows how to play when there's a bass player in the band.)

 

[40Hz]

Yeah...Mark Sandman and his band Morphine! When you just can't get it low or dark enough to satisfy - time for some Morphine.

 

[40Hz]

The fewer members, the more $$$ each per gig.

But the more critical what each of you are doing becomes.

I generally don't care for trios. Because to make it work, each player has to be damn good. And that's pretty hard. One weak leg and your tripod comes crashing down.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Im not gonna lie chord changes are a bit challenging. Im working on how to make them easier and getting better at them

THAT'S why I suggested the guitar or keyboard. I play in a jazz group (trumpet, tenor sax, drums, bass, keys) and it can get tough with complex chord changes without the keys. It also gives you another soloist.

 

[AltGrendel]

But the more critical what each of you are doing becomes.

I generally don't care for trios. Because to make it work, each player has to be damn good. And that's pretty hard. One weak leg and your tripod comes crashing down.

Maturity, honesty and tact. It's how you get better.

 

[Tony In Philly]

 

[AltGrendel]

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Number 2 can run about 3K though.