Re: What Is Hip?

["Steve Leigh" <stleigh@ibm.net>]

On Sun, 02 Mar 1997 08:52:28 +0000, Karen Monte Calvo wrote:

>Steve et all,
>
>What is hip? I posted some of the new stuff that I listen to(Ron Levy, 
>MMW etc.) but the stuff I Really want to be able to play is that cool , 
>subtle comp behind the lead be it guitar, sax, vocal ,whatever . The 
>stuff where the listener goes"that was a nice change".

Hi,

There's a difference in the frame of mind of today's players compared to that 
in the early 60s.  Naturally, the influences are a lot different too, but my 
recollection of my early life in music is such that I **KNEW** I was a sideman, 
and damn well better play my parts without stepping on anyone else, or my check 
would show my foolishness at the end of the week.  You can believe my words:  
at less than 15 years old, several thousand miles from "home", I was borrowing 
money from other guys in the band to buy food - this caused by a late arrival 
for rehersal.  I learned ... and learned quick!  

>I'm finding it 
>difficult to locate a teacher who can communicate that subtle what ever 
>it is to me. Does this sound stupid?

Not at all.  I'm finding it difficult, too!  <VBG>  You're already aware of 
"subtle", now you can interface it into your playing - WITHOUT a teacher.  Copy 
(known also as "stealing") the players who impress you most, and play.  Play 
some more!  Then c'mon down to Tampa, and sit in with some of the blues players 
we have here.  Guys like Sarasota Slim will inspire you to play REALLY tasteful 
licks, cause you'll be so busy listening to THEIR licks!  



Steve Leigh
stleigh@ibm.net
Canine Training - Lutz, Florida