Rhythm for non-Rhythm Instruments

In his response to the 2 Much Floot "attitude" description, Baba Ray Hey (rayhey.blogspot.com) gives good suggestions on how one can support a soloist in a freeform improvisational setting. His two salient recommendations: Play rhythm or lay out. Sometimes concepts as simple as this are easier said than done.

One way I've found to provide that "percussive" additive without becoming too imposing is the use of double- and triple-tongue embochoure techniques. Yes, I know, you formal woodwind or brass players will likely respond, "That's not what that technique is for - it should be used to add accuracy and velocity to melodic lines." Listen to the last minute of Phunky Floot. I'm working the obvious (tonic, 5ths) and using percussive double-tongue'ing to accent the beat laid down by bass and drums. In this mode, the technique produces a short, explosive staccatto that is quick enough in duration as to blend into the rhythm layer. Mere notes would hold too long... and the effect would no longer be percussive but would add a distracting counter-solo instrument and mush things up too much. You virtuosos may gloat over your superior technique but I'm willing to bet you would initially have a difficult time being a clave or cowbell with notes.

Lay out. WTF?! Who, moi? Yep, friends, here is the really hard part. How can you avoid flowing right back into the frenzy, especially if things are turning into a free-for-all? Besides, you're the best there is, God's gift to [your instrument goes here]. Yup. Freakin' note-packers. Two things you need here are self-confidence and distraction. The more comfortable I become with my ensemble-mates the more relaxed I become - and that restless ego settles down and quits vying for attention. As Todd recently said, "just get over yourself." Or distract yourself. Go into a listener mode. Don't worry that you're gonna miss that golden insert point. Mix up a martini. The shaker can be used as a brief maraca effect anyway. If you really have something musical to say, don't whore it in everyone's face - make the audience wait for that statement - they'll savor the tasty brief bursts of enlightenment far more than sitting through a well-executed yet tedious bible-thumping sermon anyway.