•  If you are in the house band and someone calls a tune you don’t know, it may be acceptable to read from a chord chart such as iReal if you are already familiar with the song. However, feel free to reject song choices if you are uncomfortable with them.
  • If you are sitting in, ONLY perform on songs you have memorized. Never attempt to figure out songs on the fly by ear.
  • Chordal instruments need to be able to play the chords in a “comping” style behind the singers or horn players. This means knowing the chords well enough to be somewhat spontaneous in choosing rhythms that will fit the style and support the soloists. It is almost always a bad idea for all chord instruments (piano, guitar, vibraphone) to “comp” chords at once because it gets muddy. You can shift who is comping as the solos change or one person can take the lead for the whole song.
  • Pianists, be careful about doubling bass notes and try to avoid getting in the way of the bass player.
  • Bass players need to be comfortable with the bass parts to the song. In swing, this often means a walking bass line. In Latin styles, this might mean a different rhythmic pattern. Another common pattern is the 2-beat feel, which is used on many ballads and some swing songs, but is less common during the solo sections.
  • If you get lost, look to the most experienced rhythm section player on stage. They can call out “top” or “bridge” to get things back on track.

For Drummers

  •  Drummers need to know the melody (be able to sing it on a neutral syllable) and the form. You aren’t just playing a style or a groove! Be sure that you know where hits and fills go, and that you’re clear about any potential intros or endings.
  • Always be sure you can hear everyone in the band and listen closely to the soloists. Support the overall sound!
  • Typically, you’ll have the last solo (if you want one) before the melody comes back. Be sure to make it clear when the melody should come back through eye contact and what you play to set it up. If you don’t want a solo, make sure the horns or singer know!
  • Drum solos can be: 1. over the entire song form 2. trading (usually 4 bar phrases) 3. open
  • During “trading,” whoever took the first solo will play the first 4 bars, drums play 4 bars, next soloist 4 bars, drums 4 bars, etc. until the song form is complete.

If you’re coming from a pop or rock or R&B drum background

  • In jazz, the ride cymbal is generally louder and the snare and kick are softer
  • In swing styles, keep the hi-hat strong on beats 2 and 4
  • Avoid playing backbeat on the snare throughout unless its a rock or funk influenced tune
  • In jazz, the drums are often softer in the mix. Make sure you can hear everyone!