solo accompaniment

[rolandrock]

Can anyone explain the term 'solo accompaniment' to me? From what I've read, it appears to be what the soloist plays when he is not soloing, but I would like confirmation of this.

[michi]

I also call this a "holding pattern". It's an accompaniment (usually a looped simple solo phrase) that the soloist plays between improvisations. The holding pattern adds a theme to the solo because it acts like a chorus and provides a safe ground for the listeners. It also allows the soloist to take a breath and wait for the next inspired phrase to manifest itself.

Holding patterns can make a solo much stronger, mainly because they create this recurring theme and make for a more pleasant listening experience. (See also this thread where this idea is mentioned.)

Cheers,

Michi.

[bubudi]

if you have two or three main accompaniments already being held down, but have more djembe players, the one not soloing for the time being can hold a solo accompaniment.

the solo accompaniment tends to hold some of the essence of the rhythm, imparting the correct feel. it's often one of the main traditional solo phrases for that rhythm.

the soloist can also come back to this pattern to give the music some breathing room while continuing to impart the feel and essence of the rhythm, keeping the other players pumped. this strengthens the entire ensemble. too busy a solo will often weaken the music. it's good to take a pause in your solo from time to time and come back to solo accompaniment for a few bars. done consistently this creates a recurring theme, but be creative with it otherwise it can easily sound old and worn after a while. a good solo changes direction and builds up momentum.

[rolandrock]

Thanks, guys. That's very helpful.