The Big Band

[fiacovaz]

Just a few photos taken this past year...you can almost hear the music.

http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/j...%20Big%20Band/

[32ndHeartBeat]

Nothin like a bit of classic big band, nice man.

[Shazane]

Awesome. But where's the drummer?

[fiacovaz]

In the shadows in the back...can't see them to good here. Will be getting new photos at next gig. will post then.

[pastor_bob]

Nice Frank! I'm a huge Glen Miller fan myself. I learned to love swing from my dad. Gotta learn those triplets!

[Shazane]

In the shadows in the back...can't see them to good here. Will be getting new photos at next gig. will post then.

That's not right, should be right in front, like Buddy Rich!

[fiacovaz]

I have already made that sorrection! The stage we play on is okay but, not as large as I would prefer. So, I've moved up towards the front and with the guitar and keep the bass and keyboard behind me and close to the brass section. Works out just fine and will get some photos of the setup soon.

[STICKSWIZZARDDRAGON]

HOLA como estas FIACOVAZ*ARTISTIC CREATIVE ARTIST DRUMMER *(CAT) *FRANK* GREAT PICTURES showing the BIG BAND LOOK
& STYLE*

[bongobro]

Hey, Frank, I feel right at home lookin' at your pics--that's essentially the same set up my big-bandleader buddy uses for his gigs...only difference is you don't have your initials on your bandstands, and he does...

Glad to see you're movin' your kit forward, but drummers who are big-bandleaders still have to count off to the rest of the band, so havin' the kit front and center doesn't always work. And of course on numbers like Glenn Miller's "American Patrol," you get your trombones swaying from side to side to simulate the drone of warplane engines he uses toward the end of the tune...drumkits don't sway as easily as 'bones...

When I've sat in on percussion, I'm to the drummer's right, out front, just past the horns, so I can glance at him periodically to watch for his cues...I think personally it would work better if the drummer and percussionist were closer together, but, being the "special guest," I don't mind being in the spotlights...

btw, this is the band with whom I've sat in: http://www.stanf.com

[fiacovaz]

I count the band off on each tune and have them trained to listen to me...we work on that at rehearsal. Some charts, I'll start with a pick up or lead-in fill...again, getting the band accustomed to me. On a gig, it's three charts up w/o a second or two in between each so, being aware is essential. Though I moved the set forward, I do keep angled so that the trumpet section can still see and hear me...lead trumpet checks for my hi-hat. This way, I keep the bass between me and the brass and that helps to keep the beat from waivering. Thanks for the link to your friends big band...quite a web site!!

[Fish Stix]

I hope you do sing sing sing. I actually dreamt that I was driving around listenting to the live version of that last night.

[fiacovaz]

It's in our Book along with Zoot Suit riot and others like it. Those, we keep for Swing Dances that we play. It's on those occassions that I bring along my 18" floor tom and do my Gene Krupa bit.

[TruthElixirX]

I love metal a lot...


But, I love big band music too. A lot. Its just so unique and fresh sounding.

[drum_chick]

My cousin has a big band in NYC, I like his stuff

[spdolphs]

Playing in a Big Band has always been a dream of mine, ever since I put on a record my parents had, Stan Kenton in HI FI. Hearing Mel Lewis on drums is probably what made me want to play.

[fiacovaz]

Playing in a Big Band has always been a dream of mine, ever since I put on a record my parents had, Stan Kenton in HI FI. Hearing Mel Lewis on drums is probably what made me want to play.

OH yes, I have that Stan Kenton album and use if to practice quite often. Speaking of Mel Lewis, I use the Istanbul AGOP Mel Lewis Signature 21" big band ride and matching 14" hi-hat cymbals. Love that vintage sound!!

[fiacovaz]

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...z/Dsc00121.jpg

Better photo of me playing with the band.

[pastor_bob]

Lookin' good Frank! Encore, encore!!

[bongobro]

Great pic, buddy! Lookin' good behind the skins!