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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Carla Bley's MusicJim Hall with Ron CarterJuan Tizol's MusicKenny Wheeler's MusicJimmy Heath's MusicRudy Van GelderBill Evans with Eddie GomezThad Jones' MusicMiles Davis SextetDonald Byrd's MusicPaul Chambers QuintetWes Montgomery Leader AlbumColeman Hawkins Swing FourShorty Rogers and his giantsMiles Davis' MusicEric Dolphy Leader AlbumChicago JazzCharles Mingus' MusicDave Holland QuintetTadd Dameron's MusicJohn Coltrane's MusicBud Powell's MusicLennon - McCartney's MusicTadd Dameron Leader AlbumMarsalis - Lee's MusicVernon Duke's MusicPaul Chambers Leader AlbumThe Horace Silver QuintetJohnny Griffin Leader AlbumMilt Jackson QuartetBill Evans Trio with Stan GetzSonny Clark TrioThe Don Byas - Slam Stewart DuoSonny Rollins in EuropeCharlie Parker Leader AlbumBill Evans' MusicLouis Armstrong & His All-StarsChet Baker in ItalyFrank Sinatra SingsTwo Double BassesColtrane ChangesGrant Green's MusicRay Brown's MusicTraditional Irish MelodyHorace Silver Trio with Art BlakeySonny Rollins Leader AlbumCarla Bley Leader AlbumHorace Silver's MusicPat Metheny with Larry GrenadierWarne Marsh Leader AlbumTony Williams' MusicOscar Pettiford's MusicMonk in TokyoMcCoy Tyner Leader AlbumSonny Clark Leader AlbumPaul Chambers' MusicThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Clark TerryJohn Lewis' MusicHank Mobley Leader AlbumThe Blanton–Webster BandPat Moran TrioPat Metheny with Charlie HadenArt Blakey & The Jazz MessengersChick Corea Elektric BandJoe Henderson's MusicAhmad Jamal TrioKenny Barron with Dave HollandSonny Rollins Quartet with John ColtraneButch Warren's MusicPorgy and BessMiles Davis' First Great QuintetNina Simone Leader AlbumPaul Chambers QuartetGrant Green Leader AlbumBenny Goodman And His OrchestraJohn Scofield's MusicJimmy Van Heusen's MusicThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Louis ArmstrongBill Mobley Leader AlbumGil Evans' arrangementPaul Desmond Leader AlbumThelonious Monk TrioHammerstein - Kern's MusicTom Jobim at the PianoPat Metheny GroupVictor Feldman TrioOscar Peterson Leader AlbumGerry Mulligan with Thelonious MonkHerbie Hancock's MusicSchwartz - Dietz's MusicHorace Parlan Leader AlbumJackie McLean's MusicRon Carter's MusicBennie Moten's MusicPat Metheny Acoustic DuoNina Simone at the PianoJoe Henderson QuartetKenny Barron with Charlie HadenGeorge Shearing's MusicBrad Mehldau TrioWynton Kelly TrioOliver Nelson Leader AlbumBud Powell TrioHorace Silver and the Jazz MessengersNancy Wilson's VoiceMingus Big BandAhmad Jamal's MusicEsperanza Spalding Leader AlbumThe London House SessionsCharlie Haden's Quartet WestRay Brown Trio with Ralph MooreBrad Mehldau's MusicChristian McBride TrioLou Donaldson Leader AlbumHerbie Hancock Leader AlbumBooker Little Leader AlbumCharlie Parker's MusicFreddie Hubbard Leader AlbumPat Metheny with Jim HallHoagy Carmichael's MusicKind of BlueCharles Mingus Leader AlbumRon Carter TrioChet Baker PlaysCharles Mingus TrioCannonball Adderley with the Poll WinnersMichel Petrucciani's MusicLee Morgan's MusicMal Waldron's MusicThe Oscar Peterson TrioKenny Dorham's MusicErroll Garner at the PianoMonk in ParisRed Garland's MusicDiana Krall Leader AlbumPat Metheny's MusicWilbur Ware QuintetBill Evans QuintetJoshua Redman Leader AlbumHampton Hawes Leader AlbumDuke Ellington at the PianoPat Metheny Leader AlbumThe Great Jazz TrioBenny Golson's MusicBill Evans Leader AlbumRoy Haynes Leader AlbumJazz ContrafactJohn Coltrane QuartetCharlie Parker's ReboppersLee Morgan Leader AlbumJimmy Rowles with Ray BrownSam Jones' MusicOscar Pettiford Leader AlbumDave Holland Big BandHank Jones with Christian McBrideBill Evans TrioDado Moroni with Tom HarrellJay Jay Johnson Leader AlbumKeith Jarrett TrioRed Garland Trio with Art PepperRichard Rodgers' MusicDizzy Gillespie SextetRay Noble's MusicLee Kontiz Leader AlbumWynton Kelly Leader AlbumKeith Jarrett European QuartetKeith Jarrett with Charlie HadenMiles Davis QuartetGershwin's MusicBirth of the CoolSonny Clark's MusicOrnette Coleman Leader AlbumMiles Davis Quintet with John ColtraneMajor Holley QuintetOliver Nelson's MusicDexter Gordon Leader AlbumRed Garland TrioDonald Byrd Leader AlbumDon Byas QuartetLiberation Music OrchestraGerry Mulligan's MusicDexter Gordon QuartetGeorges Arvanitas TrioLou Donaldson QuintetMilt Jackson's MusicDuke Ellington's MusicOscar Peterson's MusicCal Tjader SextetRodgers - Hart's MusicRay Brown with Pierre BoussaguetChet Baker SingsHenry Mancini's MusicGerry Mulligan QuartetJazz with String OrchestraCedar Walton Leader AlbumFrank Loesser's MusicSwedish JazzEllington - Gershwin's MusicHouston Person with Ron CarterBobby Timmons' MusicRed Garland Trio with John ColtraneHerbie Hancock QuartetGerry Mulligan with Johnny HodgesA.C. 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R. 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