Find the return reason in this classic jazz quartet

[Paulie]

I thought it 'lacked a groove', myself... but then "it's Jazz"... so, I figured it was meant to sound like that.
Spinal Tap declares that Jazz is music played wrong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYSEQImJnNw

The head was a loose half-time feel, after that the entire track is a walking swing. Spinal Tap... one of the greatest movies ever! Maybe I should have written this in D minor... it's the saddest of all keys.

[niallyboy]

Hi Paul,

Right out of the gate, the piano and sax were not tight, which was a distraction for me. I read later on in your second post that the screener said the same thing. On chorus #2 (beginning of your solo?), the piano is stepping on your solo rather than comping underneath, another distraction. The piano finally settles in on chorus 3.

Not to gloat, but I got 6 forwards on this listing: with all due respect, I think they're looking for more "restrained polish" instead of a loose jam.

After 5 weeks of not hearing back from this "urgent" request, I called Taxi to find out what was up, and then the results appeared.

Sorry, bro--
Niall

[Paulie]

Thanks Niall, your feedback is rock solid.

I did get a forward on this same listing with a collab for a much more laid back, "clean" track, so we shall see.

[Paulie]

It is nice to be able to check out forwards for listings at the Taxi blog. It helps me understand what screeners are listening for, and what they tolerate as well.

http://blog.taxi.com/forward/042318/

Given the genre I still find it hard to think that looseness in the first chorus is justification for a return in such an improvisational and free genre. Moving on to the next cue. Thanks again all!

[funsongs]

Seems like it coulda gotten a forward just as easily for being "loose" - if, in fact, in the screener's judgment, that was what the client wanted.
Again - it seems you're more troubled by the critique than for the 'not right for this listing' thing - even though, that's the bottom line of it.
Another 2 pennies from the Old-Guy.

Maybe you could title your next Jazz cue "Where's Waldo?!" (...he's on the loose!!)
Be well, Amigo!

[SubRivers]

Loose is one of the hardest things to pull off in any genre IMO - the risk of getting dinged for not being in time/grooving/tight etc. is really high.(especially in tv/film music)

But it is a magical thing and worth striving for.

[ecurb]

Hi Paulie,

Thanks for sharing. I've also had a few pieces that I've deliberately tried to keep loose knocked back for not being tight enough... and I think there's some really valuable thoughts and insights in this discussion.

For me personally I think it might be a case of needing to aim for what a live band and producer would look for when cutting a traditional album, rather than achieving what sounds like a live band playing on stage and settling for that. If that makes sense.

Cheers
Bruce.