The encore.

Encores are rarely spontaneous (apart from when the crowd demands a second or third one) they are usually programmed into the set-list and when the band condescends to throw a few more crumbs to the overfed audience - usually after walking off stage and waiting long enough for the clappers to be on the verge of carpel tunnel syndrome - they return and go through the motions that they've already gone through earlier. Basie's 'one more time' was great but his 'one more one time' stretched things a little bit but Basie, like Duke, had the majesty to do this.

Down at grass roots level, things are different. Like if you have enjoyed a performance of Macbeth you don't shout 'more' in the hope that they'll busk Hamlet for you. At a jazz gig, most people see the encore as a rite of passage - we want wor money's worth - as if they were in Tesco snapping up 'buy one get one free deals'.

Then there is the other side of the coin. If the audience don't clamour for more then the leader reverses the situation and says 'would you like another one?' and, even though it's the last thing you want, there's always someone who replies in the affirmative. 

At this point I must stress that this post in no way reflects any specific gig, just a few thoughts.

Comments welcomed. Lance