Change piece to sound like Getz?

[otomah]

OK, it seems like everyone hears someone and wants to sound like them and then asks (or looks up) their setup and pays for an expensive setup and then doesn't sound like them at all.

So here is my question. What is a logical approach to modifing your sound to move closer to someone who's sound has the attributes you want to make your own?

In my case, its Stan Getz.

I'm thinking two major steps are going to be listening - to both your target and yourself and lots of long tone work.

Somewhere along the line, a change in equipment is going to be in order, but won't I need to be able to first be able to describe the differences in the sound characteristics between where I am at and where I want to go? Then examine the piece I am now playing (selmer e*) and look for a piece which is likely to help the evolution.

Or have I got this all wrong and I need to go out and buy a new piece?

Thanks
Tom

[Razzy]

Sounding like your favorite players is NOT always a question of new equipment. As long as you have a good all-around piece, a lot is possible. Still, in certain extremes, such as those who play really wide Dukoffs or metal links, a change in equipment might be in order.

You're right in the fact that listening is a real key. But don't only listen. Transcribe their solos and try to copy the inflections in the sound. Afterall, you can't observe a figure skater and expect to figure skate as they do! You have to copy their moves, pay attention to the details and try to work them into your technique. It's the same with jazz.

I believe the NEXT step is to fiddle around with your equipment. This is usually just a question of minor tone discrepancies. Most of the tone comes from within yourself. Sadly, you're probably not build on the inside exactly like your favorite idols. Getz was a robust guy, had low cheek bones and this probably provided for a certain shape to his oral and chest cavity. Working with himself, he was able to achieve a certain tone and style unique to him.

I think you'll find that the more you try to copy one player, the more you'll just start sounding like yourself. And you'll sound even more like yourself when you copy a BUNCH of players. Virtually all of the greats did it that way, yet most of them could still name one sole influence (which they typically sound COMPLETELY different than, I might add) that affected their playing and their journey the most. Still, these players were anything but clones! Trane, Bird, Cannonball, etc. all had their unique styles and sounds, yet learned by studying the greats.

Don't be surprised if you just sound more and more unique the more you TRY to sound like Getz. People will like it if you can have your own style! Personally I'm of the belief that nobody should strive to be the "clone" of a certain player. It's a dead end and makes you really inflexible as a player, usually leading to the opposite of your actual goals. I trust, though, that you merely want to work a Getz-ish sound into your own personal style, right? 8)


Oh, by the way, I also loved the Getz sound and did a lot to move toward it. The only thing I did with my equipment was to move up a half a reed strength and change brands. The rest was modifying my oral cavity, tonal concept and air flow, and voicing, plus ornamentations in my improvisations in all that. Still, a lot of this just happened on its own. The more I listened to Getz, the more I began to sound like him, in my mind. My listeners just noticed a subtle difference but couldn't quite place it. I had also, apparently, begun to sound more (though in different ways) like Bird, Dick Oatts, and Hank Mobley, who I also studied hard for brief periods.

[otomah]

I trust, though, that you merely want to work a Getz-ish sound into your own personal style, right?

Yes, I think that's true.

I'm an adult beginner. I have no plans of ever having a career in Jazz (at least not this time around).

Thanks for confirming - that at least for now, I should not be hunting down that vintage link. I'll leave them out there for all you pros to use and I'll sit back and enjoy the music you make with them.

[john]

Otomah,
This won't be helpful but maybe you'll smile :D

Getz sound! Easy:
1) become hopelessly addicted to narcotics
2) drink heavily
3) have all your teeth removed
4) practice
5) pawn all your equipment and use whatever horn is available

or you could just go with number 4 until it works.


Good luck,

john