So We Got a Gig, Now What?: Developing a Set List

The first step in preparing for a gig is developing a set list for the show. We actually have two shows that we are treating separately because there are different audiences in different venues. Here's what we did: First, we realized that given the time constraints that we needed about 20 tunes, 12 for the first set and 8 for the second set, give or take. We gathered the lead sheets for about double this number, 40 tunes, we played them and after two practices came up with a final 20 tunes. In narrowing down our list from 40 to 20, we listened to multiple popular versions of the tunes and then arranged the tunes. We played through each tunes. if it stuck we went with it, adding ideas along the way. We chose mostly traditional jazz tunes, roughly defined as those made before WWII. Our definition of traditional jazz emphasizes harmony and we extend our set list to include modal and avant garde jazz of the 1950s and 1960s. In the end, developing set lists involves tough decisions. We seemed to go with what sounded best and which one's members were devoted to arranging and composing responsibilities.The next post lists the setlists we came up with for the October 14 gigs: