asked to play at art gallery but no idea what to play?

Question

i was asked to play my tenor sax at an art gallery. they want jazz but i mostly play classical. So anyone with an idea what songs i could play in the jazz department, please say the name and composer. I'm desperate. i play in a middle school band so do u think my teacher would lend me some?

Answer 1

In my opinion jazz and art go well together because both is an intimate expression of the artist or musician. So I think anything you choose will be appropriate.

The biggest issue I see for you is that jazz is about improvisation. If you play classical music, then there is little room for improvisation in that form of music. So no matter what you choose, you will need to be able to compose music spontaneously.

Here are my choices for some easy jazz songs to play:

C Jam Blues - Duke Ellington
All Blues - Miles Davis
Bye Bye Blackbird - Miles Davis
So What - Miles Davis
Summertime - Hayward & Gershwin
Impresssions - John Coltrane (same chord progression as "So What")
Autumn Leaves - Joseph Kosma & Johnny Mercer
Cantaloupe Island - Herbie Hancock
Satin Doll - Duke Ellington

Answer 2

Is there a particular theme at this gallery? An art exhibit opening? You might add some tunes that can relate to the theme. Go to www.jajazz.com for some Aebersold books with jazz standards for play-alongs. Also, Hal Leonard has a few play-along books that are decent. Check out your local music store for these, as well (unless you're playing with a rhythm section). Don't be nervous! Most people at art gallery openings are strictly focused on the artwork, and musicians are there to be wallflowers. The spotlight won't be on you, but you'll be a refreshing change from the usual muzak they play over the house sound system. Have fun playing, play well, play musically, and prepare to make nice conversation with the kind, older folks who truly do appreciate a "youngster" keeping the good music alive!

Answer 3

Look up Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz and Lester Young. There are some great jazz "standards," such as "Stella by Starlight," "Lush Life," and "Autumn in New York." You can download some of the sheet music off the internet or purchase a fake book to get a whole lot of jazz tunes. Of course in terms of composers - Count Basie, Dizzie Gillespie, and Charlie Parker are some older greats. There are tons and really the standards are the best place to start. I think if you mention those names to your middle school teacher, he will help you out.

Answer 4

Skrap covered it so well, all I can say is read and study his list. Listen to those songs in a relaxed way and let them come to you.

All are timeless classics that sound as fresh today as the day they were first presented.

Nobody will criticize you for performing these songs. The delight on their faces will cause you to smile.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Hi! Brazilian is good too... it's mellow, easy, up, rhythmic: Girl from Ipanema, One Note Samba (that should be easy!!), Corcovado... and it sounds so great on the sax.
Streetlife (Randy Crawford):http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=C_ZvDI7XGFU&mode=related&search=
The In Crowd (Ramsey Lewis).. http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=evhydr1ZAxI.......and I would throw some classical in, as well. They'll love it! And I think your teacher will be thrilled..............Good luck!
Here are more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz_Samba
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getz/Gilberto
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=F6kJB47uzjU&mode=related&search=