Just starting out...

[cannonball7]

I've played in a Jazz ensemble for a few years now, and concert band when I was younger, but I would like to get into playing solo with backup tracks. I'm not too worried about equipment (there's alot of information here for that) What's a good piece to start with (preferably big band)? Any advice on how to get started would really help! Thanks! (I play tenor sax)

[AcidRa1n]

Dude, Im not going to sit here and tell you how to solo, but let me tell you what I do. * Assuming you know all your scales plus chromatic.* Just close your eye's and imagine. Imagine your flying through NewYork, or riding a roller coaster. Actually my favorite, imagine your in a jazz club or something of that sort. An just let it rip man. Feel it in your soul. Use your whole sax and use rhythms that match the songs. I cant think of any at the moment, but if your in a Jazz band im sure you can solo to most of the songs you guys play.

[The Saxist]

Go to a venue where somebody is doing what you want to do, and observe. It should give you ideas both for rep and what equipment you'll need to schlep to the job...

[haddock]

Hi. I'm just starting out too.. I Have yet to do my first solo gig. So far the pieces in my backing collection that I will use for tenor sax and might be compatable with a bigband feel are Satin doll, Honeysuckle Rose, Autumn Leaves, My Funny Valentine, Round Midnight..

[JimboSaxAndKeys]

Hi. I'm just starting out too.. I Have yet to do my first solo gig. So far the pieces in my backing collection that I will use for tenor sax and might be compatable with a bigband feel are Satin doll, Honeysuckle Rose, Autumn Leaves, My Funny Valentine, Round Midnight..

Some good suggestions there. Actually, if you can pick up a copy of something like the Standards Real Book, anything in there will be good.

- Jimbo