…Another installment from the For What It’s Worth Department, a.k.a., Bla Bla Bla… There has been much said here about jazz, so much theory and points of view. Sometimes it’s too much for me and I am inclined to retreat and consider Sonny Rollins’ view that a starting point must begin with a totally blank mind, an experience I share often more from confusion and than choice, lol. To be more specific, I refer to the point of departure from which the tune has provided a foundation but has not necessarily restricted the adventures of the soloist…
Donald was one of my early jazz guru’s, a drummer and a dear friend. He preached the value of study and practice, but when it was time to solo, don’t think, just play. He said the soloist invents and the rhythm section has the task of figuring it out, lol. He called it the ‘soloist’s attitude’ and encouraged me to adopt it. I was also mindful of Miles’ comment: If they ain’t f***** up, you ain’t gettin’ your money’s worth…My sax playing has taken many turns over the years, and I am happy that Miles got me off the hook, lol…
OK, lol, Bla Bla Bla…