Scott Henderson Discussion

[trap]

Hi Scott,
I've been thinking of a list of the qualities of great improv. I notice that you incorporate a lot of this into your playing which is why I love it so much: Assuming of course that you already have soul !

1- Solo develops from simple to more complex and dynamic.
2- Question and answer phrases.
3- lines don't just go up and down but jump in intervals and octaves
4- lots of rhythmic repetitive phrases.
5- Lines start on different beats in the measure.
etc. etc.

What would you add to this list?

[Scott Henderson]

I think you've got it pretty much summed up there. The only things I would add are:

Tone - people won't want to hear you if your instrument doesn't sound good, plus using different sound effects can be inspiring for you and the audience.

Listening - interplay is important, and as you mentioned, using rhythms which get your bandmates involved can take the solo up to another level, but it's not always about them listening to you. Good improvisers leave enough space to listen to what's going on around them, and react to what they hear. Good improvising is conversational.

[trap]

Yes TONE! That's the first to hit the listener. Great lines + crappy tone=who cares. Like Fran Drescher. Hot babe with a terrible voice.
And listening. Interplay. That's what bugs me about the shredders. Hey, look at me!
Thanks Scott!.