To ease myself back into blogging after an exceptionally busy period, I think I'll reinstitute "Wordless Wednesdays", where I post a video that has captured my interest.
Before the advent of YouTube I often wondered about Thad Jones' big band leading. (I never got to see him live.) Did he conduct in a traditional sense? Did he conduct from scores or by memory? Did he stand in front of the band or play within the section? Was he a stern taskmaster?
Thankfully we now have plenty of video examples to answer these questions and more. I could watch Thad all day (and have to practice self discipline to refrain from doing so)! With simple gestures and a big smile on his face, he engages with the musicians and elicits a fun, swinging atmosphere that is sometimes missing from bands today. He and the band exude joy.
Before the advent of YouTube I often wondered about Thad Jones' big band leading. (I never got to see him live.) Did he conduct in a traditional sense? Did he conduct from scores or by memory? Did he stand in front of the band or play within the section? Was he a stern taskmaster?
Thankfully we now have plenty of video examples to answer these questions and more. I could watch Thad all day (and have to practice self discipline to refrain from doing so)! With simple gestures and a big smile on his face, he engages with the musicians and elicits a fun, swinging atmosphere that is sometimes missing from bands today. He and the band exude joy.
Jazz ensemble directors (myself included) can learn a lot from watching Thad.
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