SPACE

Try leaving more space. Almost everyone can learn from this. I continually learn to play less. Of course we PLAY instruments we want to play alot. Especially as Jazz/Improvising musicians we love to play. The drums are active, the bass is active everything is active. Sometimes someone needs to be less active but still make a statement..maybe that could be you? Chops don't equal a statement. More and more good playing speaks because it is a voice. Like speaking. Space. Play and leave space. Try leaving space where you normally wouldn't. Or come in where you normally wouldn't end where normally would keep playing. Vary the space. This all sounds simple but it isn't. We all know less is more but do we apply that? Music is call and response. The best way to always ensure that you are doing that is to play and rest. Over and over..just try it. Rest and play. Next time you play with your drummer ask him to play alot and you will play less. Maybe together you play alot, dense..next improve you take turns playing and resting at different times. This all sounds simple but..is it? This type of playing helps so much in arranging, pacing, how the audience hears you, how we hear each other. As a band..dense..less dense..poke holes..build together..maybe build at different times. This can go on forever. A lifetime of playing is also a lifetime of SPACE.

Go forth and play less, JC