by augmentedfourth » Sun Mar 24, '13, 7:53 pm
We'll add "improv" to the list of "things I don't get Judgey McJudgerson" about. As I played the saxophone before the bassoon, I played in my school's jazz bands, and then later did some gigs in college. Even though people kept telling me I was perfectly competent at it, I HATED improvising solos, and in many cases, steadfastly refused to do so. The running joke during the college gigs was that since we were partially paid in beer, so our last set was always the best of the night. My contribution to the solos (I played bari sax) usually went something like this:
Tenor guy: You wanna take a solo?
Me: Uh-uh.
Tenor guy: Come on, do it.
Me: Nope. *shakes head*
Epically hot trumpet guy: How about now?
Me: Nope.
Drunk guy in the front row: WOOOOOO! You guys rock! HEY! Make her play that...that...big thing!
Me: Nope. Not taking a solo.
Other bandmates: He wants you to play!
Me: Too bad. I don't like solos.
[two beers later]
Alto guy/bandleader: Jen, take a damn solo already, it's the last set.
Me: FINE. *fumbles through something vaguely jazzy*
Drummer: Hey, great solo!
Me: No, it sucked. I forgot what key we were in.
Drummer: Eh, I couldn't tell.
And so on.
Improvising on the piano was right out, as there's more than one note to worry about at a time! I always had such respect for jazz pianists, because I don't think I could EVER do it.