The Meaning of "Tight band"?

[suba3333]

I hear this term quite often, especially in a Jazz setting. I guess it means that the band gels well together as one coherent unit or am I wrong? Cheers.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Yeah, that's pretty much it. Other things to listen for are how they cue off each other, how together they are when they start and stop, and how they keep the rhythm without anyone pushing ahead or falling behind. It takes talent and a whole lot of rehearsal to get there.

 

[Riordan]

i wonder: is there any instance where NOT being tight as a band was/is seen as positive? i'm thinking of two soloists pulling into completely different directions, struggling against each other and splitting the rhythm section. or a soloist pushing himself away from the band struggling to keep up or just minding their own business...

i guess there is (that concept seems very jazz-y to me), and in avantgarde even more so - but could you name some that are considered (at least by some) as exemplary? i'm looking more for musical deconstructivism than outright chaos for the sake of making a point.

doesn't have to be jazz either, the avantgarde metal band unexpect would go into the direction i'm talking about. i'm not looking for recommendations, mind you - that question about 'tightness' has just piqued my interest...

 

[R_burke]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riordan /img/forum/go_quote.gif i wonder: is there any instance where NOT being tight as a band was/is seen as positive? i'm thinking of two soloists pulling into completely different directions, struggling against each other and splitting the rhythm section. or a soloist pushing himself away from the band struggling to keep up or just minding their own business... i guess there is (that concept seems very jazz-y to me), and in avantgarde even more so - but could you name some that are considered (at least by some) as exemplary? i'm looking more for musical deconstructivism than outright chaos for the sake of making a point. doesn't have to be jazz either, the avantgarde metal band unexpect would go into the direction i'm talking about. i'm not looking for recommendations, mind you - that question about 'tightness' has just piqued my interest...

A or The prime example of this is Miles Davis' group on Bitches Brew. Several world class musicians all going in different directions while playing together. It's extremely difficult for me to listen to, but I saw the band live at this time and they were incredible to watch.

 

[FrederikS|TPU]

On cue, great sense of timing. So yeah you got it right!

 

[JSTpt1022]

My old band leader called the opposite being tight, "popcorn". ie multiple horns hitting the same cue at slightly different times.

 

[aaron313]

Allman Brothers Band - Live at Fillmore East

That's what tight is.

 

[apatN]

Tight could also have a different meaning. I spoke to a reviewer and he said that reviewers often say a band is tight when it's nothing special (to them), but they played nice anyway.

 

[aaron313]

Quote:

Originally Posted by apatN /img/forum/go_quote.gif Tight could also have a different meaning. I spoke to a reviewer and he said that reviewers often say a band is tight when it's nothing special (to them), but they played nice anyway.

I'm slightly confused by your interpretation of what the reviewer said...

 

[Jubei]

In the reviewer's case, I think he is using "tight" as opposed to "loose", thus the band is probably sounding a bit too rehearsed and not groovy. In some genres like jazz or blues, playing too "tight" is I supposed not good.

I would generally say a band is tight if the band members play off each other intuitively. In fact, I think for soloists to go in different directions yet have the music somewhat coherent, the band has to be real tight!

 

[musicmind]

I would take tight to mean that the bandmembers are acutely musically aware of each other, with good instincts and timing that makes the music cohesive. Most times its because they have played together a long time, or that they just come from the same musical perspective and know what the other would play.

 

[aaron313]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jubei /img/forum/go_quote.gif In the reviewer's case, I think he is using "tight" as opposed to "loose", thus the band is probably sounding a bit too rehearsed and not groovy. In some genres like jazz or blues, playing too "tight" is I supposed not good. I would generally say a band is tight if the band members play off each other intuitively. In fact, I think for soloists to go in different directions yet have the music somewhat coherent, the band has to be real tight!

Right. There's no wiggle room, which is bad. It's like comparing some recordings to the live versions. I have a problem getting loose unless I am playing with people around whom I am not shy.