Performance Training 1: Meet Me at the IV
Wed, 02/17/2016 - 01:37
In Performance Training 1, you go through some of the common ways to start a song. The examples used are very cliched approaches, harmonica lines that are so familiar that the band should be able to easily feel the rhythm and changes.
If I am playing a song that may be unfamiliar to the band, should I avoid that type of opening altogether? Should I just call for "All In from the I" and count it in?
I'm working on "In Love with My Baby" by Aki Kumar, and the band meets him on the IV, but my bandmates are struggling to "feel" where to come in. Although that opening is really cool, with just harp, should I scrap that opening and just go all in from the I?
Morning Marc. Any time a musician starts by themselves a risk is taken that the band will be able to follow them. I just listened to the song and I would say it's key that you give them a good head nod on the 3+ downbeat of the IV Chord.
Note that in the recording Marty starts a couple beats early, so you'll want to make sure that you know exactly where the IV is, and most importantly your rhythm needs to me rock solid. In the end, if you keep trying and the band still can't get it, yes, have them start on the I with you.