Bobby Vega's (KVHW) messing with my head...

[mobeme23]

I am thoroughly enjoying this in-depth analysis of an improvised jam from 27 years ago!
They were definitely loose back then, and taking a lot of risks on stage. some nights they were extremely tight, and some nights they were less so.

so grateful for all the quality recordings of this band during their short-lived existence.
FYI, high quality audio for nearly all of their shows is available on the (free) Relisten app, among many other artists.

 

[Ben Clarke]

I see what you mean, but wanted to add: doing the math (getting analytical) helps some people with the understanding part

In general, I agree. But in this case, I think the most accurate and helpful analysis is pretty much what I wrote. None of them were counting or trying to be polyrhythmic against a grid. if someone is neurodivergent in a way that notating it would help more, I would support that, though.

It reminds me of some of the transcriptions of Jimmy Page solos I
l saw when I was starting out.

 

[brianrost]

I worked with a drummer who liked doing weird stuff like that.

One night we were playing an old country blues song “Grown So Ugly” and during a saxophone solo, he leaned over and shouted at me not to change the oom-pah 2/4 beat I was playing. He went into waltz time so we would line up every three bars and then separate again. The saxophonist started building in intensity against the rhythmic tension until finally the drummer switched back to the 2/4 feel and the saxophonist blew the roof off the room. Definitely one of the most interesting improvisational moments I've experienced.

 

[Ricky Caboverde]

I am thoroughly enjoying this in-depth analysis of an improvised jam from 27 years ago!
They were definitely loose back then, and taking a lot of risks on stage. some nights they were extremely tight, and some nights they were less so.

so grateful for all the quality recordings of this band during their short-lived existence.
FYI, high quality audio for nearly all of their shows is available on the (free) Relisten app, among many other artists.

Thanks for this! I downloaded the app last night and was jamming out while working.

 

[mobeme23]

Thanks for this! I downloaded the app last night and was jamming out while working.

my pleasure!
I've found so many great bands/shows on this app.

 

[Brad Maestas]

It's spelled S-Y-N-C-O-P-A-T-I-O-N.

 

[Ricky Caboverde]

It's spelled S-Y-N-C-O-P-A-T-I-O-N.

Yeah, I'm getting it now. Hemiola and all that. I'm used to mostly hearing just 3 against 2 or 4, but this part of their improvisation just sounded weird to me. I'm learning it's just bread and butter for the jam band sound.

 

[Ben Clarke]

I worked with a drummer who liked doing weird stuff like that.

One night we were playing an old country blues song “Grown So Ugly” and during a saxophone solo, he leaned over and shouted at me not to change the oom-pah 2/4 beat I was playing. He went into waltz time so we would line up every three bars and then separate again. The saxophonist started building in intensity against the rhythmic tension until finally the drummer switched back to the 2/4 feel and the saxophonist blew the roof off the room. Definitely one of the most interesting improvisational moments I've experienced.

I love this. So often, the tendency when improvising is to respond with similar parts as quickly as possible, but it often boxes the other players into a motif or line that limits them. Playing off it, expanding without imitating, or just staying put on the "in" part can be so much more powerful, and build tension way beyond what's possible otherwise.