Thoughts on the More Modern Repertoire

Today the National Youth Jazz Combo had our first performance of the summer at Nathan-Phillips Square for the Toronto Jazz Festival. It was a great time.

We played three modern pieces that were composed by local jazz stars (Pat LaBarbera, Lorne Lofsky, and Neil Swainson) specifically for our group. It is very interesting for me to play these modern pieces as before this I had usually played traditional jazz repertoire (standards). When playing standards there is a formula that is usually followed: play the melody, take turns soloing, and play the melody again. But with the Combo I’m being exposed to more modern jazz music and am getting to broaden my horizons musically. This modern repertoire is much more intricate; it also doesn't follow any specific formula. As a bass player, I have much more artistic interpretation in what I play. With standards I have a set way of fulfilling my instrument's role; with this new material I have a lot more freedom.