Jazz Styles Periods

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CHARACTERISTICS: Use of collective improvisation (polyphony). Front line of trumpet (or cornet), clarinet, trombone. New Orleans style typically included banjo and tuba, later replaced by guitar and string bass in Chicago Style. Chicago Style also typically adds saxophone to the front line. Use of flat four in New Orleans Style, later replaced by lighter two beat feel in Chicago Style: the time signature and rhythm changed from 4/4 to 2/4 (accenting beats 2 and 4, rather than 1 and 3). Modern drum set emerges when New Orleans musicians begin to consolidate the drum section (bass, snare, cymbals) commonly found in early New Orleans brass bands.

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Louis Armstrong (cornet/trumpet), Bix Beiderbecke (cornet), Jelly Roll Morton (piano/composer), Sidney Bechet (soprano sax, clarinet), Buddy Bolden (cornet), Joe "King" Oliver (cornet/bandleader), Earl "Fatha" Hines (piano)...

CHARACTERISTICS: Most popular period in jazz history. Large ensembles, less improvisation, more emphasis on written arrangements. Emphasis on showmanship (band uniforms, theme songs, logos on stands, choreography, singers). Development of sections (saxes, trumpets, trombones, rhythm) based on the early model of the front line in New Orleans/Chicago Style Dixieland. Smoother swing feel (steady 4/4 time with emphasis on beats 2 & 4, walking bass, ride cymbal). Features of standard big band arrangements could include: Tutti (all horns playing a melodic line in harmony), Soli (one section featured playing a melodic line in harmony), Shout Chorus (climatic tutti section at the end of the arrangement), Cross-section voicing (a harmonized melodic line voiced using instruments from different sections within the band), Riffs (repeated short melodic and/or rhythmic pattern).

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Duke Ellington (piano/composer), Count Basie (piano/bandleader), Benny Goodman (clarinet/bandleader), Coleman Hawkins (tenor sax), Lester Young (tenor sax), Roy Eldridge (trumpet)...

CHARACTERISTICS: Small ensembles (trio, quartet, quintet). Focus on improvisation rather than on complex arrangements. Complex, angular melodies usually played in unison. Longer, irregular phrasing. Usually faster tempos than in swing. Emphasis on virtuosity, instrumental technique. Drummer is now more interactive (dropping bombs) with soloist. Use of contrafacts (original melody lines written over standard chord progressions). Increased harmonic complexities (alterations and substitutions of standard chord progressions).

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Charlie Parker (alto sax), Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet), Bud Powell (piano), Thelonious Monk (piano/composer), Max Roach (drums), Dexter Gordon (tenor sax), J.J. Johnson (trombone)...

CHARACTERISTICS: Calm, unhurried approach to improvisation. Thinner textures, softer dynamics, smoother melodic phrasing. Horn players tend to play with a lighter, less harsh tone quality with little vibrato (influence of Lester Young). Less intense kicks/bombs by drummers, increased use of brushes. More intricate arrangements, an emphasis on composition. New instrumental combinations (flute, cello, french horn, oboe, etc.). Renewed interest of collective improvisation. Less obvious blues influence.

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Miles Davis (trumpet), Dave Brubeck (piano/composer), Paul Desmond & Lee Konitz (alto sax), Lennie Tristano (piano/composer/teacher), Chet Baker (trumpet/vocals), Gerry Mulligan (bari sax/composer), Modern Jazz Quartet, Stan Getz (tenor sax), Gil Evans (piano/composer)...

CHARACTERISTICS: Raw, hard driving style with an emotional emphasis. Extensive use of the blues & gospel music. Emphasis on "groove" (funky), danceability and the "shuffle" rhythm. Latin elements and a "straight" eighth note feel used at times. Somewhat slower tempos and simpler melodies than in bop. Primarily black musicians from New York City, Detroit and Philadelphia.

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Art Blakey (drums) & The Jazz Messengers, Horace Silver (piano), Sonny Rollins (tenor sax), John Coltrane (tenor sax), Hank Mobley (tenor sax), Clifford Brown (trumpet), Lee Morgan (trumpet), Cannonball Adderley (alto sax), Charles Mingus (bass/composer), Benny Golson (tenor sax/composer) & The Jazztet, Miles Davis' (trumpet) "classic" quintet (1955-59), The Oscar Peterson Trio, The Bill Evans Trio, Joe Henderson (tenor sax), Wes Montgomery (guitar), João Gilberto (guitar/vocals/composer), Tom Jobim (composer/arranger/piano/vocals), Vinícius de Moraes (vocals/songwriter)...

CHARACTERISTICS: Open or free forms; tunes often complete improvisations. Lack of preset chord changes. Usually dense textures, high energy playing (energy music). Collective improvisation of a more dissonant, atonal nature. Oftentimes ensembles omit use of a piano or chord instrument. Experimental instruments & instrumentations. Use of unorthodox sounds (squeaks, screams, noise, etc) and extended techniques (altissimo register, multiphonics, etc). Interest in non-western musical concepts (world music) and 20th century classical composers such as John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen.

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Ornette Coleman (alto sax/composer), Cecil Taylor (piano/composer), Albert Ayler (tenor sax), Anthony Braxton (saxophones/composer)...

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CHARACTERISTICS: Extensive use of electronic instruments: electric piano (Fender Rhodes), synthesizers (multiple keyboards), electric bass (bass guitar), electric guitar, electronic modifications on acoustic instruments. Focus of attention on the rhythm section. More attention on studio recording technology and the process of recording. More emphasis on straight eighth note feel (rock) than on swing. Harmony often simple chord repetitions (static harmony, vamps). Bass lines often repetitive. Pieces range from simple melodies with vamps and open forms to complex through-composed , sectionalized compositions. Saxophones used more often than brass instruments.

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Miles Davis (trumpet/bandleader: Bitches' Brew, In A Silent Way), Chick Corea (keyboards/leader: Return to Forever), Herbie Hancock (piano/leader/composer), Wayne Shorter (tenor/soprano sax), Weather Report (group), Tony Williams (drums/composer), John McLaughlin (guitar/leader: Mahavishnu Orchestra)...

CHARACTERISTICS: No single dominant stylistic trend has emerged in the 1980s or 90s. Instead, a continuation of previous styles, crossovers, and new styles derived from various sources are common. Some notable trends within this eclecticism seem to be: 1) a further sophistication of electronic jazz through the use of computers, 2) a resurgent neo-bop and neo-traditionalist movement (Neo-Classicism), 3) expanded instrumental & vocal techniques, 4) a greater involvement of women, and 5) the growth of European and "world music" jazz styles.

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Pat Metheny Group (fusion band), Michael Brecker (tenor sax: also founding member of fusion group Steps Ahead), Wynton Marsalis (trumpet/composer: associated with Neo-Classic movement), Joe Lovano (tenor sax), Kenny Garrett (alto sax), Don Byron (clarinet/composer), Dave Douglas (trumpet/composer), Bobby McFerrin (voice), Steve Coleman (alto sax: associated with M-BASE movement), Cassandra Wilson (voice: associated with M-BASE movement), Dave Sanborn (alto sax), Chick Corea's Elektric Band (fusion band), John Scofield (guitar), Keith Jarrett Trio (piano/bass/drums acoustic jazz trio)...



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Hammerstein - Kern's MusicChick Corea Leader AlbumEllington - Gershwin's MusicLennon - McCartney's MusicWayne Shorter's MusicArt Blakey & The Jazz MessengersSonny Rollins' MusicJoe Pass with NHØ PedersenOliver Nelson Leader AlbumShorty Rogers and his giantsVictor Young's MusicWarren Bernhardt TrioGrant Green's MusicMcCoy Tyner's MusicKenny Barron with Dave HollandLou Donaldson QuintetRodgers - Hart's MusicRed Garland Trio with Art PepperBill Evans Leader AlbumBlue Mitchell Leader AlbumNancy Wilson's VoiceThe Charles Mingus Quintet & Max RoachCedar Walton Leader AlbumFrank Sinatra SingsJimmy Van Heusen's MusicKaper - Washington's MusicJohn Scofield Leader AlbumMel Lewis SextetJohn Coltrane's MusicKeith Jarrett's MusicBrad Mehldau's MusicStan Getz and The Oscar Peterson TrioDave Holland SextetMiles Davis' Second Great QuintetKeith Jarrett TrioThe Don Byas - Slam Stewart DuoThad Jones' MusicLiberation Music OrchestraDave Holland QuintetJackie McLean Leader AlbumGil Evans' arrangementMonk in ParisRichard Rodgers' MusicColeman Hawkins Swing FourDizzy Gillespie SextetMichel Petrucciani Leader AlbumThe Modern Jazz QuartetMiles Davis' MusicChick Corea's MusicSonny Clark Leader AlbumOscar Pettiford's MusicAhmad Jamal's MusicSam Rivers' MusicChet Baker in ItalyMiles Davis SextetOliver Nelson's MusicMiles Davis' First Great Quintet with Cannonball AdderleyVillage VanguardGerry Mulligan with Johnny HodgesBobby Timmons Leader AlbumHouston Person with Ron CarterGerry Mulligan's MusicThelonious Monk's MusicSonny Stitt Leader AlbumSam Jones Leader AlbumJimmy Rowles with Ray BrownBenny Goodman And His OrchestraHank Jones with Charlie HadenClifford Brown and Max RoachPaul Desmond Leader AlbumHank Jones Leader AlbumJohn Coltrane QuartetMiles Davis Quintet with John ColtraneChet Baker SingsOscar Peterson Leader AlbumEsbjörn Svensson TrioSam Jones' MusicUmbria JazzCole Porter's MusicBill Stewart Leader AlbumWes Montgomery Leader AlbumThe Dave Brubeck QuartetCannonball Adderley Leader AlbumTraditional Irish MelodyTeo Macero's ProductionElla Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong with Oscar Peterson QuartetCarla Bley Leader AlbumBenny Goodman SextetHerbie Hancock's MusicDonald Byrd Leader AlbumPat Metheny's MusicSonny Rollins Quartet with John ColtraneKeith Jarrett with Charlie HadenRay Brown Trio with Ralph MooreBooker Little Leader AlbumThe Horace Silver QuintetChick Corea Elektric BandFreddie Hubbard's MusicMontgomery BrothersEsperanza Spalding Leader AlbumJohn Lewis' MusicTom Jobim at the PianoKenny Dorham QuartetHampton Hawes Leader AlbumRed Garland TrioTwo Double BassesThe Great Jazz TrioLou Donaldson Leader AlbumMiles Davis' First Great QuintetHoagy Carmichael's MusicJazz ContrafactKind of BlueBobby Timmons' MusicPat Metheny Acoustic DuoKenny Wheeler Leader AlbumKeith Jarrett Acoustic DuoJuan Tizol's MusicNewportNina Simone Leader AlbumCannonball Adderley QuintetJoe Henderson TrioBill Evans Trio with Stan GetzJohn Coltrane Leader AlbumJimmy Heath's MusicJoshua Redman Leader AlbumDiana Krall Leader AlbumCharlie Haden's Quartet WestItalian Jazz MusiciansSonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz QuartetSonny Clark's MusicHerbie Hancock QuartetCannonball Adderley's MusicBarga JazzLee Kontiz Leader AlbumThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Louis ArmstrongRay Brown Leader AlbumKenny Barron with Charlie HadenDexter Gordon Leader AlbumMcCoy Tyner at the PianoChicago JazzMiles Davis Leader AlbumHorace Parlan Leader AlbumMajor Holley QuintetThe Blanton–Webster BandCannonball Adderley with the Poll WinnersTony Williams' MusicRed Garland Trio with John ColtraneHorace Silver and the Jazz MessengersCarla Bley's MusicRay Noble's MusicBennie Moten's MusicPaul Chambers SextetErnie Watts Leader AlbumDuke Ellington at the PianoDon Byas QuartetLee Morgan's MusicTommy Flanagan with Red MitchellDizzy Gillespie's MusicPaul Chambers Leader AlbumDave Brubeck's MusicJimmy McHugh's MusicThelonious Monk TrioVictor Feldman TrioJoe Henderson's MusicTadd Dameron SextetOrnette Coleman Leader AlbumRodgers - 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