what is jazz? man, if you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know. louis armstrong
DESCRIPTION
Possible Definitions/Descriptions of Jazz (Gridley) Strict definition – improvisation and “swing feel” Tradition “Family Resemblances” “Jazzness”TRANSCRIPT
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What Is Jazz?“MAN, IF YOU HAVE TO ASK WHAT JAZZ IS, YOU'LL NEVER KNOW.” – LOUIS ARMSTRONG
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Some Eras and Genres in Jazz
New Orleans – (late 1890s-1920?) Chicago – (1920s) Swing – (1930s-40) Bebop – (1940s Cool Jazz, Hard Bop – (1950s) Avant-Garde, Free Jazz – (1960s?) Fusion (1970)
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Possible Definitions/Descriptions of Jazz (Gridley)
Strict definition – improvisation and “swing feel” Tradition “Family Resemblances” “Jazzness”
![Page 4: What Is Jazz? MAN, IF YOU HAVE TO ASK WHAT JAZZ IS, YOU'LL NEVER KNOW. LOUIS ARMSTRONG](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022082214/5a4d1b937f8b9ab0599c26e3/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Improvisation and “Swing Feel”
Improvisation Extemporaneous composition Composition in the moment Often seems spontaneous, but requires dedication and skill
development “Language”
“Swing Feel” (see notes on possible definitions of swing - http://people.eku.edu/nelsonl/muh271/swingdefinition.html) Term used to refer to a variety of concepts, most often either:
A description of the quality of performance (like “groove”), or A potentially complex set of performance practices
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Instrumentation
What instruments (including voice) are used? Timbre
The distinctive sound/tone color of each instrument Differences between 2 performers Manipulation by a performer Mutes – used by brass players to modify the character of the sound
Performance practices
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Ensemble Small group:
soloist(s), often primary focus of attention. provides melody. improvised solos
rhythm section. typically piano and/or guitar, bass, drums. provides rhythmic and harmonic foundation.
Big Band (or larger ensemble). horn sections/rhythm section. typically more focus on composition, arrangement, ensemble
performance.