note360

I was just wondering if some one could drop me a few tips on this topic of Improv.

I know my theory pretty well. I know what scales to play when most of the time. Basically I know whats going on. My feel is improving steadily and my style is developing and improving daily as I practice.

In my school there are basically 5 soloists that are frequently in on Jazz band solos.

Seniors: They both made SCMEA and one made the All American Jazz band, both are killer soloists and jazz players. I mean there is no competition
Dave - Trombone
Drew - Tenor Sax


Juniors: Killer soloists, but not as good as the above two
Andrew - Alto Sax
James - Trombone

and then
Sophomores:
Me - Trumpet

I am the only trumpet who is willing to improvise and one of the only sophomores who gets a chance to improvise alot. I do it alot and I love it, but I am the weakest link and I end up wiht the msot solos bc wherever a trumpet break is written in I have to take it (not that im complaining).

I both want to and have to improve my ability in this area. I would consider my self a good/decent yet unconsistent soloist. Prefering long streched otu phrases to fast movements shockign octave jumps (mainly for fun) and whatever i feel like. I also frequently use Cup Mutes and Harmon Mutes, the later I stopped using because I was having trouble cutting through the band with it (I have to fix this problem).

The main song I need to work on is Joy of Cookin'. the chord changes are. (with the scales im using in brackets [] )

Solo Break:
B7(b9) [B Diminished Whole Tone]

Main Section x2:
Em9 Gm9 F#m9 Fmaj7

Dorian for all except for the Fmaj7. Each one gets 4 measures.

Its a beastly solo. I can do the main section and often get commented on how shockingly good I am at it (seeing as I came out of nowhere basically). The Solo Break is where I mess up.

Thanks guys. I know this is a monster.

matthewharris_065

I find it relatively easy to play a jazz trumpet solo, especially if you're in a latin feel(Duh). It's a little harder on horns such as trombone for me becuase I have no ideas really, but I like doing trumpet improv.

BergeronWannabe

I suggest transcribing some solos, it has really helped me.
Knowing theory is good, but learning the language is better.

supportlivejazz

The two musicians who most clearly showed me how to improvise were Charles Mingus and his drummer, Danny Richmond. I listened specifically to what they were doing and realized quickly that they were LISTENING to each other and to the rest of the musicians, remembering what they heard and then playing what it lead them to play (say) in response. I heard each solo and within the solo heard what was played by the others. It was a conversation, not a monolog. Rather like... "When you said that, it reminded me of this." There is also an aspect of listening to myself and having the conversation develop from that, rather like thinking out loud.

I know this is not a technical explaination, but it has helped me enormously to understand that playing in jazz is as much about listening as it is about playing. This is true of blues as well. (I play harmonica)