correcting fundimental bad habits
David,
I've been playing, jamming even gigging with my own bands for 35+ years but trying to improve my sound and deal with fundamental weaknesses that I have been aware of.
Working with the Filisko TBT and the most basic materials on the site exposed in my view some basic bad habits in my tongue block playing that I was not aware of, even though I am complemented by other musicians and audiences on my sound.These are going to take much time and effort to correct.
This is a mental thing of how to approach my next invitation to sit in at a crowded club when expected to turn in an intuitive performance but before the muscle memory corrections catch up.
I am trying to articulate an issue for the experienced player with 'bad' habits who will be tempted to fall back on habit to serve the music.I never want to turn down an invitation to sit in.
Thanks,
Sandy
Thank you David for the good advice. I caught that Sonny Rollins interview. Great stuff!!
s
Thank you for sharing that Sandy, I'm glad you're finding the material helpful. I recommend you go into the woodshed... work your butt off and don't come out until you feel happy with what you're doing. When I reinvented my sound I worked hard for six months, avoiding any gig I could get out of so that I could make my changes permanent. After six months I wasn't perfect, but I wasn't embarrassing. After a year I was sounding great and I took a BIG leap forward in my capability, my sound and my musicianship... it was a year very well spent.
This is a common story in the music world... in fact, today I was listening to Sonny Rollins speak and he said he did this twice... Les Paul did it... and many, many others have as well. You don't have to say no to every invite, just don't put yourself in situations to be asked... say yes to the ones you have to and just do what your muscle memory has you do. Playing a little bit less, with more rests and repeats will help, and the end result is more musical.
In the end, this time is valuable and it's up to you to make it happen NOW or do just bits and pieces and have it take many, many years. Dig in, this is your chance to become a GREAT player.