| I don't know much about writing and arranging. I've just played a ton of big band charts. All parts - from lead on "Runaway Hormones" to 4th part on Gordon Goodwin's "Take the A train." (In concert this Fri.)
I'll share what I experience in a section. And then you guys can put it all together and make an intelligent decision. And I'm not totally insane.
We're listening to the lead and the main thing is to Blend. If I play even slightly louder than 1st, I'll get called on it. And in some cases not asked back.
Another reason is dB's-- if the lead cranks it up then we have to play louder and then the bass etc. So part of this is to maintain a lower volume in the practice room. And it makes sense too because you get on stage and mikes are everywhere. We're paying $850 for a sound man and making a DAT recording for example.
As far as the writing goes-- I can't even pass judgement because I think the Arrangers/writers have always been excellent to genius.
Gordon Goodwin's charts are just like the old ones played by the "Bach" guys you mentioned. It gets taken care of by the mixer, And it could just be the particular song and whether you're listening to it live or recorded. A good arrangement will have a nice fat sound somewhere in the song.
Like I said, I play so softly and in the lower register that I can barely hear the note "poot" out of the bell. (like an old Mazda RX-7. Everytime you shift into 2nd-- Poot.) Low G's in some music. And then beautiful lines on songs like "Invitation" arranged by Frank Mantooth.
If you talk to people in the audience, they always prefer less volume and well balanced. And then sometimes the trumpet section nails them to the back of their seats, regardless.
I like what you guys have to say.
That's my take. |