Next to groove, clarity and deference are the two most important words
for rhythm sections. Clarity is essential. Never tolerate a rhythm
section that muddies the sound of the ensemble. Here are some factors
that can affect clarity: playing at the wrong volume, playing too much,
playing inappropriately,, playing too many sustained chords, playing
with a poor sense of time and groove.
Deference implies that a player will yield (or defer) to someone else by leaving space in his or her own part. The space that one player leaves highlights the beautiful idea in someone else's part. So you see, deference is a key element in achieving clarity.
TIME IS A WEIGHT
Although it is the rhythm section's job to play with excellent time, it is not the rhythm section's sole responsibility to do so. Think of time as a weight, perhaps a steel plate weighing 500lbs. If we lower that plate onto the ensemble, and ask everyone to raise their arms up to hold it, they will find the weight quite manageable. It seems to float in the air. But, if we instruct everyone except the drummer to let go, all will be crushed by the weight. The same is true with time. It floats in effortless fashion when each ensemble member holds up his or her little piece of it.
Deference implies that a player will yield (or defer) to someone else by leaving space in his or her own part. The space that one player leaves highlights the beautiful idea in someone else's part. So you see, deference is a key element in achieving clarity.
TIME IS A WEIGHT
Although it is the rhythm section's job to play with excellent time, it is not the rhythm section's sole responsibility to do so. Think of time as a weight, perhaps a steel plate weighing 500lbs. If we lower that plate onto the ensemble, and ask everyone to raise their arms up to hold it, they will find the weight quite manageable. It seems to float in the air. But, if we instruct everyone except the drummer to let go, all will be crushed by the weight. The same is true with time. It floats in effortless fashion when each ensemble member holds up his or her little piece of it.
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