... That is the question or, to be more precise, do we applaud solos or do we make like the squares (pardon the jargon but I've just been looking through some early editions of DownBeat) who think of a cat as a feline friend (or otherwise) and wait until the final bar as they would do if they'd survived a Wagnerian opus?
My mother, God rest her soul, was horrified when she heard me playing a recording from a live concert and the audience applauding after a solo - "How uncouth" she said, although I did have to remind her that, after a crowd pleasing rendition of an aria in one of her beloved Verdi's operas, they would often reprise the aria.
There are no reprises in jazz - at least not until the next gig in a different venue - when the solo could be better or worse or the same and, maybe receive a better or worse or the same response.
Going back in time, the fans applauded if they felt the solo was worthy of it. Invariably the ones who got the most acclaim were drummers, honking sax players and high note trumpet men. They knew how to work a room and the audience responded.
Also, in the better places the applause came from more subtle, more lyrical solos. However, as applause became seemingly obligatory the bands themselves began to demand it in case it wasn't spontaneously forthcoming.
I recall reading in an old Jazz Journal of Gerry Mulligan's then partner, Judy Holliday, standing at the side of the stage exhorting the crowd to applaud.
The Alex Welsh Band also had an annoying habit of when, after a solo, the leader would shout out to the crowd - "Make him happy" irrespective of how unhappy the soloist had made the audience feel. In fairness, of course, it was a rare occasion when any of the band's soloists did make anyone unhappy!
However, the point I'm making is that, if the solo is good enough, the crowd will respond. In fact it's an insult to both the player and to the listener. If the player's solo is good enough then he know's what it's worth. If the listeners have to be geed-up then it's a reflection on them and maybe they're at the wrong gig.
Just thinkin'... Lance
2 comments :
I do sometimes wonder whether to clap if there are a succession of short solos by different musicians. There is the risk, perhaps, of the applause for one solo masking the audience's appreciation of the following solo.
Applause is the sweetest sound for an artist so the more the merrier.
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