jazz history 02 - instruments
TRANSCRIPT
Jazz HistoryProf. David LarsenPart 2
Choose your AxeJazz is played on many different instruments, with the most common being Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Guitar, Bass, and the Drum Set
SaxophoneThe saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax in 1848.A part of the "woodwind" family, the saxophone is a wind instrument powered by a cane reed clamped to a mouthpiece by a ligature.Made from brass, this instrument is the loudest of the woodwind family and capable of playing very fast notes.It comes in 4 common sizes: soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone.
SaxophoneIntended to help make woodwinds more weather resistant for marching bands, the saxophone quickly became the instrument of choice for jazz musicians.Popularized by jazz greats like Coleman Hawkins, Frankie Trumbaure, and Lester Young; the saxophone has become the official instrument of jazz and by far the most common then and now.
Which one is Which?Saxophones are easy to tell apart from one another using some obvious visual cues.The soprano sax is small, often straight, and has a very high and light sound.The alto sax is curved, but the neck of the horn is straight once it leaves the body of the instrument.The tenor sax is cured with a neck that features a slight "wave" in the neck. This small curve makes it unique from the other 3 saxes.The baritone sax is very large and has a upper body attachment that loops around to make a complete circle.
Which one is Which?In review:Which horn is this:The Alto SaxWhich horn is this:The Tenor SaxWhich horn is this:The Soprano SaxWhich horn is this:The Baritone Sax
TrumpetThe trumpet is a brass instrument that has been used since the 15th century.It is played by "buzzing" ones lips in a deep metal mouthpiece.The trumpet, which originally did not have valves, changes notes by the player changing the rate at which they buzz their lips and depressing a combination of valves.This is generally seen as the highest member of the jazz instrument family and traditionally functions as the melody or "Lead" instrument.
Trumpet, Cornet, or Flugel?90% of the time the instrument you will see is the trumpet, but it does have a few cousins.The Cornet is a softer and warmer instrument that looks much like a trumpet. It was popular in early jazz, but as bands became louder, the bright and piercing sound of the trumpet became more popular.The Flugel Horn is an odd looking horn that takes all the brightness out of the trumpet sound. Its warm and round tone is great for jazz ballads and is often times used in these types of settings.
Trumpet, Cornet, or Flugel?In review:Which horn do you hear?Flugel HornWhich horn do you hear?TrumpetWhich horn do you hear?Cornet
TromboneTrombone is the simplest of the modern wind instruments.It is a brass instrument like a trumpet, but larger and generally equipped with a slide rather than valves.Due to the slide mechanism, the trombone is a very difficult instrument to play fast notes with, but it's distinct sound and color make it a staple in the jazz realm.
Trombone and Bass TromboneAlthough very uncommon as a solo instrument, big bands and other ensembles are often augmented by the larger bass trombone.Unlike comparing the alto and baritone saxophone, these two trombones are virtually the same instrument, with the exception of the addition of triggers on the bass trombone. These triggers extend the length of the horn and bring the pitch down to allow it to play very low notes in a loud and aggressive manner.Due to the increase in size, fast notes are extremely difficult on the bass trombone.
The Rhythm SectionThe rhythm section is made up of several instruments.Most commonly these are the:PianoGuitarBassDrums
The Rhythm SectionThe piano is often seen as the dominate rhythm section instrument in jazz.It is used in almost all ensembles from large to small and many great composers and band leaders where the pianist of the group.With a wide array of abilities from playing chords to fantastic solos, this instrument is hard to beat when it comes to accompanying an ensemble.
The Rhythm SectionThe guitar, while not as common as piano, is also a large part of the jazz rhythm section.Able to play chords as well as melodies the guitar is seen as a softer and simpler accompaniment for jazz ensembles.Rarely played with distortion of effects, jazz guitar is mostly clean, even, and well balanced.It is also preferred in most latin jazz ensembles.
The Rhythm SectionThe bass, in either electric or acoustic, is the anchor of the rhythm section.The bass provides the pulse, drive, and harmonic pad that represents the ensemble.Bass appears fairly unchanged in all styles of jazz and is most commonly known for its accompaniment role rather than as a solo instrument.
The Rhythm SectionThe drum set is an ensembles "color".Although not required in a jazz ensemble, the drum set is seen as a necessity by many.Giving many styles of jazz a "feel" or "groove", the drum set has been very important in the danceability of jazz.Harkening back to the March Music roots of Jazz, the drum set was invented by jazz musicians for jazz musicians.
620278.0Our Love Is Here To StayHalie LorenHalie Loren2015Butterfly BlueiTunes 12.0.1.26Ira Gershwin;George GershwinOliver NelsonEmancipation Blues2010-05-14 17:32:24Oliver Nelson Orchestra1962Afro / American SketchesAfro / American SketchesOliver Nelson [email protected] 17:18:56Splanky1994-06-04T07:00:00ZCount BasieThe Complete Atomic BasieComplete Atomic BasieCount [email protected]