Lisa Henry


The Basics: Don't Leave Home Without Them
In recognition of this special jazz education issue of JAM, I'm dedicating this column to those of you who are new to the music business or are thinking about taking "the plunge" in the near future.

What follows is a short list of music performance basics that beginners (and possibly intermediates) will find helpful. It was originally used in my workshops for beginning vocalists, and is adapted here from that vantage point.

1) DO NOT step onto any stage until you are positive (from your own self-evaluation and from the feedback of professional artists you trust) that your musical and vocal skills meet minimum standards. To determine those minimum standards, ask yourself the following questions:

a) Do I really know the song(s)?
b) Do I know the key I sing the song(s) in?
c) Am I able to sing on key throughout the entire song?
d) Do I know the basic form of the song? (i.e. "the intro is four bars, I sing two choruses, the band solos, I come back in on the bridge, then I vamp the ending," etc.)
e) If the song is one that I sing in an unusual key, do I have a basic lead sheet prepared for the musicians?

If you answered "no" to any of those questions, YOU ARE NOT READY! Stay home and continue to sharpen your musical skills.

2) During a jam session, be courteous to the other performers. Do not perform more than two tunes and don't "overstay your welcome."

3) You should have enough songs in your repertoire to cover a four-hour performance without repeating tunes. Ten songs per set equals 40 songs. If you don't know at least 40 songs, stay home until you do.

4) No matter what is happening on the bandstand, always present yourself as a professional. Never allow personality conflicts, etc. to follow you onto the stage. Your audience did not come to see you sneer at the bass player.

5) If you are the sideman (or woman) on a performance, any inquiries regarding booking the band should be referred to the band leader. This is a professional courtesy and good business. And you will want this same courtesy extended to you someday when you are the leader.

6) Treat all musicians you encounter with dignity and respect, on and off the bandstand. It is a fact that musicians recommend other musicians (singers included) for future jobs.

7) Always thank your audience. They could have been anywhere else, but they chose to come and hear you!

(From "EXCELLENCE IN JAZZ -- BEGINNING BASICS" -- LRH Productions)


Some Good Resources for the Aspiring Musician
In each of my columns I will always try to recommend different resources for the aspiring jazz musician. Here are three I think you will find valuable. Good luck!

• The Music Business (Explained In Plain English) -- By David Naggar, Esq. and Jeffery D. Brandstetter, Esq. DaJe Publishing (approx. $13.00)
  
  
• How To Put a Band Together -- By Kevin M. Mitchell; Alfred Publishing (approx. $5.00)
  
  
• The Musician's Guide To Making and Selling Your Own CDs and Cassettes -- By Jana Stanfield; Writer's Digest Books ($19.00)
  
  

Lisa Henry is a professional jazz singer, recording artist and an award winner at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. Contact her at rochellebow@yahoo.com.






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