Alcoa presents: The Jazz Ethicist…with Keitho!
Dear J.E. When is the proper time to employ the jazz ‘woo?’
Curious Yellow
Dear CY,
Good question! First of all, whatever you do, do not use it on the bandstand. Horn players, when they are not soling, should effect an insouciance with head cocked at 45 degree angles, looking passively into the audience, occasionally snapping on the 2 and/or the 4.
NOW. During the break you will be talking about great musicians with your fellow band members. For example, someone one will say, “Herbie was killing it on Speak Like a Child!”
Now is your chance.
With a barely audible, yet excited 2 second falsetto, you proclaim, “Ooooh!”
Note: The W in ‘woo’ is silent – if you say ‘woo’ you’ve blown it and will be instantly ostracized from the herd.
I hope this helps.