| Along with what Manny said, I'd add 'technical proficiency' to the list. You've got to know how to play and you've got to know music well. I guess you could call it confidence. For Manny, Doc, Maynard---any of the top level pros, if the piece starts going to hell in a handbasket because of the band, they just adjust. You'd never know about it because they can follow (and cover up) most of the goofs that are made when it comes to timing and phrasing. This is something that comes with time, lots of experience and practice.
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Gabriel is NOT a woodwind player! |