How A Jazz Quartet Sets Up

I prefer to be between a fixed intonation instrument (guitar or piano) and the drums. That way I have an intonation reference point as well as good communication with the drummer. But drummers do usually like to be in the middle so they can easily hear everything.

 

Bassist in the middle is the new way, esp for jazz. I try to have that setup and first heard about doing it that way from John Clayton. It's not so much about being next to the ride as it is being between the drummer and the comper. Same setup goes for piano.

The bassist is the guy that brings the rhythm together with the harmony, so it only makes sense he's in the middle. You're the time-keeper, not the drummer. If the drummer can't hear the pianist when sitting out on the side, he needs to come down in volume.

 

Given my choice, I set up next to the drummer in the direction s/he is usually looking. In my experience most drummers spend most of their time looking from center to hi-hat, and less time looking from center to ride, so I try to set up on the hi-hat side.

YMMV.

 

I always prefered the hi-hat side, especially for jazz. A good drummer has the hi-hat locked on 2&4, according to the swing of the groove.

 

Drums in the middle is so RAWK!!!


IME Bass in the middle is pretty standard.

 

+1

 

Ya gotta love when the drummer assumes it's the norm to set up in the corner. I say get there early and claim the corner for the bass. Let everyone else set up around you; where ever they want to be in relation to you. Bass in the middle is good, but maybe not always practical depending on the space.

I don't think which side of the drums matters. But being on his left, makes communication easier. I'll look over my shoulder to make eye contact or to communicate verbally. If I'm on his right, his back is kinda towards me and my bass is in the way too.

No matter what the set-up, 90% of the time there is some problem or difficulty. Nothing is ever ideal. Be flexible and adapt.

 

IMO, it shouldn't matter what side of the drums you're standing on - you should be listening for the ride cymbal regardless of where you are on stage. If you can't hear the ride, everybody's playing way too loud or your internal pulse is weak if you fall out of time.

 

For 10 -15 years I've been going along (as an audience member) to Brighton Jazz club every Friday and seeing some of the best UK (and occasionally US) Jazz players.

But every week - the way it's set up is exactly the same. So - facing the stage the piano is on the left, sideways (player looking into the middle) , bass in the middle at the back - with drums to the right, again looking towards the middle. Horns are in the middle at the front. (on the odd occasion when there was one, guitarists usually set up just in front of the drums)

It's always sounded great and the band always look as if they are communicating and looking at each other. As an audience member - those moments when players look at each other and smile at what just happened, are the best!

 

I prefer standing new to the ride cymbal. I get a better lock with the drummer. Listening to the hi-hat works til they stop hitting it on 2 and 4. Better to just develop your internal pulse so you don't need that crutch (I'm still working on it).

 

For me I don't consciously listen to any one thing. Everyone contributes to time and groove so I like to really try to step outside of myself and try to hear the band as a whole.

Truthfully I don't care how the band is set up. I think my 'listening to the band as a whole' thing frees me up to not be tied to one thing. As long as I can hear everything I'm cool. It just seems in most jazz settings I've been in the bass in in the middle flanked by piano and drums with the horns or singer in front.

 

Yes - that's what I was saying. It does seem to be very much the accepted thing everywhere - I have seen gigs with visiting musicians from Europe and the US - always the same.

 

Nothing is faster than the speed of light. You could set up so you're able to see the drummer's stick hit the cymbal and you'll be totally locked in. Keep one eye on your tuner and the other eye on the drummer's stick hitting the ride cymbal. You'll be totally in tune and in sync at light speed.

 

Better yet you could try a Vulcan mind meld.

 

I've always assumed the concave shape of a grand piano was to allow us to nestle in and have a reflective surface surface behind us. Is it not so?

Steven

 

Don't forget that I have 4 eyes. The other two are to keep the eye on the horn player and then the other eyes for the hot chick in the 3rd row.

 

More often the top of the upright piano is a good place to rest your right hand and store any stray lead sheets!