Neal.
One thing, what is the secret to Improvisation …in one word?
Thanks
-Robert

Story.

Thought about Robert’s question for a little while.  And “story” is my answer.

All the technique, emotion, and rhythm in the world doesn’t matter if it doesn’t ‘say’ anything, if it doesn’t tell a story.

Stories allow us to relate experiences, teach, and entertain.  Cave men told stories and we can even see them as cave paintings today.  We pass stories along through the generations.  Odysseus and Achilles still live because their stories continue to be told.

Shakespeare helped formed the English language.

Story is what makes a movie great.  Although many crappy movies lack story and think that it can be covered with special effects and editing.

Artwork has story behind it.  Think about something like ‘Guernica‘ by Picasso.  There are tons of layers in that one.  We talked about it during Spanish class in school.

Stories are memorable.  You may not remember all the details, but the core of that story will be clear.  Like a melody.

Your solo on saxophone should tell a story.

A good sound, good technique, all the elements of music facilitate your ability to tell a story.

The image above is the book called ‘Story’ by Robert McKee, it’s highly regarded in Hollywood for those who aspire to write screenplays.

It’s not easy to tell a great story.

But it gives meaning to what you play on saxophone.

What do you think?