advice

Hi David,

I’ve been a member here for over 8 years, and have played in bands for a lot of that time.

For the last 2 years I’ve played in a Chicago-style quartet, where I’ve shared the front-man role, leading about 50% of the songs, and accompanying the rest.

This is a weekend warrior type of band, with weekly rehearsals and 15-20 gigs per year.

For the material I lead I have usually found a recording to copy, or have put together something from various sources (including my own inspiration). It’s a similar story with the accompaniment.

With the exception of a few solos here and there, I usually know exactly what I’m going to play.

I’ve become quite adept at learning pieces from records, and I believe this has been beneficial in a number of ways, but it has not developed my ability to be spontaneously creative.

I’ve practiced learning to play things I’ve heard on records, within the context of a rehearsed number. It’s satisfying in its own way, and I’ve found it easy because there is a clear objective and a fairly clear measure of success.

I’m really feeling the need to break out of this habit. I have both your improvisation and accompaniment books but I continue to vacillate between them as my role calls for both in equal measure.  Do you think I would be best to study ‘improvisation’ simultaneously with ‘accompaniment’, or would it be better to just focus on one or the other for a while?

I’d appreciate any other advice you may have for me.