SK Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 I just feel like there's something about a singer as opposed to an instrumentalist that makes accompanists play more conservatively, more smoothly, and less outside the changes. Certainly in most cases you're right, but it all depends on the singer. If I hadn't had some rare experiences with singers who encouraged the same creativity as an instrumentalist, I'd completely agree with you. I'm just looking at it from a music standpoint, which is the only interest I have here; not what the role itself 'should' be. The advantage of accompanying conservatively is it gives the pianist a chance to distill and strengthen his playing. But you make musical concessions and adjust your playing appropriately to each situation/every musician anyway, and it's no different with a singer. Those rare, best singers are also equal musicians. The rest, well... you adjust down to it. I'd comp like I would with a horn player, as though the singer were my right hand so to speak. Comping should be supportive, but there can be plenty of interaction with lines, fills, etc., if the singer has the ear for it. CD: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/stevekessler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADino Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 if the singer has the ear for it. That could be a big IF... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SK Posted November 26, 2009 Share Posted November 26, 2009 That could be a big IF... A huge if. CD: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/stevekessler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucasb Posted November 26, 2009 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Talking about great vocal accompanists and (unless I skimmed over it) I can't believe no one mentioned Teddy Wilson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moj Posted November 26, 2009 Share Posted November 26, 2009 The great female singers all had great pianists. Their talent and reputation attracts the best players. Here's a fantastic singer who isn't well known (maybe some of you may know of her) Arlee Leonard. Larry Sieberth and Eric Lewis are a couple of pianists who've played with her. http://www.myspace.com/arleel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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