I'm been playing bass for about 5 years and in the last year to year and a half I have been getting heavy into jazz playing. I have a willing drummer and pianist. My question is does anyone have any suggestions for on getting started.
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jazz trio
- Thread starter StipeC
- Start date
Dr Funk
"If you ain't appearing then you be disappearing"
Well, start by having everyone get one of these:
Amazon.com: The Real Book: Sixth Edition (0073999683059): Hal Leonard Corporation: Books
Start playing through the songs that you're familiar with or have heard before, then expand.
Beyond that, for gigs start talking to wine bars, coffee houses, restaurants, etc. The only way to improve is to play a lot, and with jazz in an informal setting such as those mentioned, you can get a lot of practice in.
Amazon.com: The Real Book: Sixth Edition (0073999683059): Hal Leonard Corporation: Books
Start playing through the songs that you're familiar with or have heard before, then expand.
Beyond that, for gigs start talking to wine bars, coffee houses, restaurants, etc. The only way to improve is to play a lot, and with jazz in an informal setting such as those mentioned, you can get a lot of practice in.
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If you all read and have a general working knowledge of the typical jazz standards (Real Book #1), getting tunes together shouldn't be a big issue. If that's not the case, then you'll have to spend some serious time getting a workable set list together. Or, depending on what you mean by "jazz", if it's a fusion thing (like Tribal Tech, for example), you might have some problems getting gigs at all .... 
Assuming you're taling the standards route, don't look for gigs in the usual places. Try restaurants that have a Sunday brunch, smaller coffee house places, or look for open jazz jams in your area .....
Assuming you're taling the standards route, don't look for gigs in the usual places. Try restaurants that have a Sunday brunch, smaller coffee house places, or look for open jazz jams in your area .....
Most towns of any size have a under-100 seat theater. Those places are amenable to the idea of your renting them out for shows. The rent is usually very cheap, say around $50, and you can sell tickets.
Since the places are small, you won't make a lot of money, but you'll do better than a restaurant will pay you.
Since the places are small, you won't make a lot of money, but you'll do better than a restaurant will pay you.
Or do what my band did. Have three or four jams, do a charity gig, get a weekly gig playing all original stuff and invite mates to jam. But I live in a jazz dessert so you may not find it that easy.
