Accompanying 101Dear Mr. P.C.: I'm a pianist and have a question about reading charts. If I get a lead sheet that includes a measure with a very basic written rhythm in addition to the chord changes, how should I approach it? Should I: 1) Play the chords in the specified rhythm, and play nothing else; 2) Play the rhythmic hits in my left hand and comp and/or play fills with my right as I would otherwise; or 3) Not play the rhythm explicitly, but look for ways to complement the bassist and drummer while they're playing it? I had a singer yell at me for picking option 2 (she wanted 1), but the rhythm looked so basic I thought it would sound stupid if I just played it just naked... [ read more ]
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