Staying in Jazz Shape

I’m sure the good readers of The Syncopated Times are well aware by now that jazz musicians are finely tuned creative artists. But are you also aware that in order to play their instruments at the highest level, they also need to be in tip top physical shape? To be able to respond to any musical situation, a jazz musician must have not only the sharply tuned reflexes of a cat, but also the strength and agility to take command of these man-made concoctions of brass, wood and steel...to somehow tame these beasts and wrestle some music out of them. So it’s no wonder with these sharply honed reflexes and taut muscular physiques, jazz musicians’ bodies are nothing short of Olympic Gods. Well, that might be exaggerating slightly. How about...professional athletes. Okay, would you believe...part-time baseball coach? Who am I kidding? How about...an out of work trucker? Hmm, well I’m sure most of our readers have at least been to a trad gig or festival and noticed that, on average, jazz cats have let themselves slip somewhat in the fitness department. Or let me put it this way: if the average man in the trad scene did a sexy naked calendar for charity, that charity would probably go bankrupt. Jazz festival line-ups boast bellies that would put any Lamaze class to shame. But if you’re a musician with an expanding waistline, it’s not all bad news. It’s a common complai