Dream A Little..

A duo is a unique setting. When you play in a band, even if it's only three or more people, one person must lead and the others follow. Arrangements are often needed so everyone can be on the same page. When we play in a duo setting, there doesn't need to be a plan, no predetermined leader or follower. You have the freedom just to play and interact with the other person. It becomes a conversation and, like a conversation, it takes on a life of it's own. It becomes a thing created spontaneously, a thing independent from either of it's creators. As a pianist, a duo really is one of my favorite formats. I love the looseness of it - being able to follow or lead when I want, to hear the bare bones of the song as expressed by a linear instrument, with no drums or bass to muddy the waters. It takes a special kind of horn player to be able to feel comfortable in that setting because you're so exposed. As pianists, we are accustomed to that level of exposure because we are often called upon to perform solo, but for horn players, I think it is a bit like walking a tightrope without a net. No rhythm section to catch you if you fall, no extraneous sounds to distract the listener. It's a pure sound and a pure format. It exposes one's musicianship. I have loved playing duets with Weeds for many years, and especially in this beautiful house concert setting. There is such camaraderie there.