Jazz Etiquette 101
(Will the guy in the back with the big voice please SHUT UP!)
By Vince Robinson

How many times has this happened to you? You’re in a nightclub for an intimate evening of jazz. A group is on stage performing as if it’s the last time they’ll ever play together again. They reach a quiet moment in a song where the violinist takes a solo and the guy at the table behind you continues his conversation in tones that completely overwhelm the melodious strings singing at that moment while you bristle at his ineptitude.

What just happened here? You might say it was a breach in jazz etiquette.

One of Cleveland’s premier jazz clubs recently closed its doors. It had been described as an excellent venue because of its acoustics. It was an ideal place for musicians because of this, but unfortunately, it was criticized because its owners were very adamant about requiring patrons to be quiet during performances. Their attitude could be seen as extreme, by some, but if you ask any musician, it would be undoubtedly be whole-heartedly embraced, particularly if they play traditional jazz.

What are the rules? Well, there are none, but there are some things to keep in mind when attending a concert or event that involves jazz music. First of all, you don’t have to conduct yourself like a mouse or sit, hands folded, waiting for permission from the artist to give your feedback and adoring praise. Do consider, however, that some venues are not conducive to loud chatter during performances. Speaking from personal experience, no one on stage wants to compete with someone in an audience when they are trying to be heard.

As an observer, I’ve often wondered why people would spend their hard earned money to hear their favorite artist and then engage in endless conversation during the performance. A: you can’t hear someone else if you are talking. B: the people around you paid to hear an artist, not you.

I have attended countless shows at Nighttown. One that stands out is last year’s performance by Buster Williams, one of the greatest acoustic bassists to ever lay hands on the instrument. He reached a point in his show where he was playing alone. His band was riveted, listening to every nuance of each note. Behind me, two couples enjoyed their dinner as if they were having a barbeque in the comfort of their backyard. One of the gentlemen (I use this term extremely loosely) was compelled to share his thoughts with the other gentleman seated at their table, literally shouting. The pianist craned his neck around and leered at him with disapproval. When the foursome left, I anticipated that the audience would break out in applause upon their exit.

Whether it is instrumental or music with vocals, when music is being played, it is like a conversation. Musicians attempt to show each other respect by not talking (playing) over someone else when they are “engaged in conversation” with the audience. Consequently, you’ll notice non-verbal communication between performers when solos are being played. If someone “talks” over someone else, you may see an evil glance flying across the stage or an expression that glares “how could you do that to me?” Again, it’s one way musicians give respect and it carries over to the audience. It creates harmony in the music and in the venue.

Of course, giving verbal approval directly to the band is the exception. When the music is good and you let them know you like it, it is greatly appreciated as long as it not overly distracting.

The second exception involves the venue. Your favorite local jazz fusion ensemble may be playing that Friday night set at the local club. It’s ladies’ night and the band is there to draw folks in hopes that they’ll come, buy several drinks and come back again.

Is the “be quiet” rule in effect? I would say no, because it is not realistic to expect those who have come to mingle to keep their conversations to a whisper. Chances are they did not come solely for the music. They came to get their “swerve” on. This does not mean shouting across the room, “Hey Shawty, let me git those digits!” It does mean, however, that the same standard that applies to that concert would probably not be in effect here.

There you have it, some simple things to keep in mind the next time you go out to your favorite nightspot to enjoy some jazz. Megaphone mouth, you best stay at home and listen to CDs. May the rest of you be blessed to partake in one of life’s greatest pleasures without interruption or needless distraction.

The band will thank you with even better music.

from Cool Cleveland contributor Vince Robinson vrobinson12@hotmail.com

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