Jazz Styles Periods

- browse JBT transcriptions choosing the sound-style you prefer! -


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)...

Try searching for these sonorities by browsing the following JBT tags:

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)...



View all transcriptions

Jazz Legends

- discover some bass transcriptions of greatest jazz musicians -




Band Types

- search your bass transcriptions by number of musicians in the band -




Tag Cloud

- search your bass transcriptions by tag/keyword about jazz world -


Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong with Oscar Peterson QuartetThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Ralph MooreEnrico Pieranunzi at the PianoJoe Henderson Leader AlbumClifford Brown and Max RoachOliver Nelson Leader AlbumDuke Ellington's MusicHank Mobley's MusicTeo Macero's ProductionRay Brown's MusicBill Evans Trio with Stan GetzTraditional Irish MelodyCannonball Adderley's MusicFrank Loesser's MusicMichel Legrand's MusicDiana Krall Leader AlbumJuan Tizol's MusicTom Jobim at the PianoBen Webster with Harry Sweets EdisonBud Powell's MusicMiles Davis SextetCharlie Parker Leader AlbumAhmad Jamal's MusicHank Jones with Christian McBrideChet Baker PlaysSwedish JazzGeorges Arvanitas TrioKeith Jarrett TrioKenny Burrell Leader AlbumHoagy Carmichael's MusicHank Jones with Charlie HadenMontgomery BrothersJohnny Hartman Leader AlbumBilly Strayhorn's MusicMiles Davis All-Star SextetBennie Moten's MusicJohn Coltrane's MusicPat Metheny Acoustic DuoDonald Byrd's MusicColeman Hawkins Swing FourCharlie Haden's MusicEllington - Gershwin's MusicThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Louis ArmstrongLou Donaldson Leader AlbumJohn Scofield's MusicCharles Mingus TrioCharlie Haden's Quartet WestGeorge Shearing's MusicMiles Davis QuartetOscar Peterson's MusicLiberation Music OrchestraPat Metheny with Jim HallTadd Dameron Leader AlbumMilt Jackson's MusicThe Ron Carter NonetThe Horace Silver QuintetMcCoy Tyner TrioJohnny Griffin Leader AlbumSonny Rollins' MusicClifford Brown SextetGerry Mulligan's MusicHorace Silver and the Jazz MessengersDado Moroni with Tom HarrellSonny Rollins in EuropeBenny Goodman SextetJoe Henderson TrioMonk in ParisFrank Sinatra SingsDon Byas QuartetThelonious Monk QuartetRodgers - Hart's MusicThe Poll WinnersDuke Ellington at the PianoChick Corea's MusicChet Baker Sings and PlaysOscar Peterson Leader AlbumDexter Gordon Leader AlbumJackie McLean's MusicMilt Jackson and Wes MontgomeryBill Evans with Eddie GomezEsperanza Spalding's MusicSonny Rollins TrioCharlie Parker's ReboppersPaul Chambers Leader AlbumKenny Burrel's MusicCedar Walton at the PianoHank Jones Leader AlbumDexter Gordon QuartetWarren Wolf with Christian McBrideThe Great Jazz TrioClifford Brown's MusicMel Lewis SextetShorty Rogers and his giantsKenny Wheeler Leader AlbumDave Holland SextetBarry Harris TrioLucky Thompson Leader AlbumChet Baker in ItalyDave Brubeck's MusicKeith Jarrett with Charlie HadenThelonious Monk's MusicBirth of the CoolKeith Jarrett's MusicWilbur Ware QuintetSchwartz - Dietz's MusicMcCoy Tyner Leader AlbumOrnette Coleman Leader AlbumRudy Van GelderPaul Chambers QuartetHerbie Hancock's MusicJoe Henderson QuartetRed Garland Trio with John ColtraneRoy Haynes Leader AlbumPaul Desmond Leader AlbumStan Getz & João GilbertoJazz with String OrchestraMichel Petrucciani's MusicCharlie Parker's MusicToots Thielemans's MusicDexter Gordon's MusicEric Dolphy Leader AlbumKenny Barron at the PianoCharles Mingus' MusicPat Metheny with Larry GrenadierKeith Jarrett European QuartetQuincy Jones' ArrangementJunior Mance TrioA.C. Jobim's MusicJimmy Rowles with Ray BrownOscar Pettiford's MusicSonny Rollins Quartet with John ColtraneThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Clark TerryThelonious Monk TrioGershwin's MusicHank Jones at the PianoMilt Jackson QuartetBrad Mehldau TrioBlue Mitchell QuartetSheila Jordan's VoiceRay Noble's MusicTommy Flanagan TrioKenny Barron with Dave HollandOrnette Coleman's MusicMiles Davis' MusicLouis Armstrong & His All-StarsCal Tjader SextetSonny Clark's MusicHorace Silver Trio with Art BlakeyNina Simone at the PianoWayne Shorter's MusicJimmy Heath's MusicHammerstein - Kern's MusicDave Holland Big BandMcCoy Tyner's MusicBill Stewart Leader AlbumJohn Coltrane with Tadd DameronOliver Nelson's MusicItalian Jazz MusiciansMiles Davis' First Great QuintetLennon - McCartney's MusicPat Metheny with Charlie HadenEric Dolphy's MusicRay Brown Trio with Ulf WakeniusCannonball Adderley Leader AlbumChick Corea Elektric BandThe Modern Jazz QuartetButch Warren's MusicMiles Davis' First Great Quintet with Cannonball AdderleyMiles Davis Quintet with John ColtraneMiles Davis QuintetPaul Chambers SextetSonny Stitt Leader AlbumCedar Walton's MusicJohn Scofield Leader AlbumBlue Mitchell Leader AlbumCannonball Adderley QuintetJohn Coltrane QuartetBrad Mehldau's MusicKenny Barron with Charlie HadenWarren Bernhardt TrioJazz ContrafactFreddie Hubbard's MusicPaul Chambers' MusicJohn Coltrane Leader AlbumJohn Coltrane with Thelonious MonkBarga JazzKenny Burrell with Jimmy RaneyJoe Pass with NHØ PedersenMajor Holley QuintetBill Evans QuintetBob Dylan's MusicNancy Wilson's VoiceThe Charles Mingus Quintet & Max RoachRay Brown TrioRichard Rodgers' MusicBobby Timmons' MusicPorgy and BessThad Jones' MusicIrving Berlin's MusicCole Porter's MusicKaper - Washington's MusicStan Getz Leader AlbumThe Don Byas - Slam Stewart DuoBobby Timmons Leader AlbumOscar Pettiford Leader AlbumKenny Barron Leader AlbumSteve Swallow's MusicThe Blanton–Webster BandThelonious Monk Leader AlbumBill Evans' MusicJerome Kern's MusicRon Carter's MusicBooker Little Leader AlbumThe Dave Brubeck QuartetHampton Hawes' MusicAllan Holdsworth Leader AlbumFats Waller's MusicHenry Mancini's MusicTadd Dameron SextetSam Jones Leader AlbumColtrane ChangesMichel Petrucciani Leader AlbumPaul Chambers QuintetHouston Person with Ron CarterRodgers - Hammerstein's MusicSam Jones' MusicErnie Watts Leader AlbumCarla Bley Leader AlbumJoe Henderson's MusicDonald Byrd Leader AlbumWynton Kelly Leader AlbumLou Donaldson QuintetVictor Young's MusicMiles Davis' Second Great QuintetUmbria JazzWynton Kelly's MusicNewportPat Metheny GroupChick Corea Leader AlbumBill Evans Leader AlbumVictor Feldman's MusicChet Baker SingsSonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz QuartetHank Jones' MusicRed Garland Trio with Art PepperMonk in TokyoVictor Feldman TrioArt Blakey & The Jazz MessengersHerbie Hancock Leader AlbumBenny Golson's MusicLee Morgan's MusicJoshua Redman Leader AlbumThe Ornette Coleman QuartetBobby Timmons TrioNina Simone Leader AlbumBill Mobley Leader AlbumPat Metheny's MusicSonny Rollins Leader AlbumWes Montgomery Leader AlbumHorace Silver's MusicGerry Mulligan with Johnny HodgesCedar Walton Leader AlbumVillage VanguardDave Holland's MusicPat Moran TrioMiles Davis Leader AlbumMcCoy Tyner at the PianoChristian McBride TrioDizzy Gillespie SextetPat Metheny Leader AlbumRed Garland's MusicHank Mobley Leader AlbumThe Duke Ellington OrchestraBenny Goodman And His OrchestraWes Montgomery's MusicBill Evans TrioLee Kontiz Leader AlbumHampton Hawes Leader AlbumJackie McLean Leader AlbumDizzy Gillespie's MusicCarla Bley's MusicJ. R. Monterose Leader AlbumFreddie Hubbard Leader AlbumSam Rivers' MusicRadiohead's MusicThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Ben WebsterJay Jay Johnson Leader AlbumBurt Bacharach's MusicJimmy McHugh's MusicStan Getz and The Oscar Peterson TrioChicago JazzVernon Duke's MusicDave Holland QuintetThe London House SessionsKenny Wheeler's MusicMingus Big BandHorace Parlan Leader AlbumTadd Dameron's MusicGerry Mulligan QuartetJohn Coltrane Quartet with Johnny HartmanBud Powell TrioThe Count Basie OrchestraThe Oscar Peterson TrioGrant Green Leader AlbumKenny Dorham's MusicWayne Shorte Leader AlbumKind of BlueTwo Double BassesCharles Mingus Leader AlbumEsbjörn Svensson TrioErroll Garner at the PianoGrant Green's MusicWynton Kelly TrioJohn Lewis' MusicRay Brown with Pierre BoussaguetMarsalis - Lee's MusicGil Evans' arrangementRay Brown Trio with Ralph MooreRay Brown Leader AlbumKeith Jarrett Acoustic DuoSonny Clark Leader AlbumRon Carter TrioWarne Marsh Leader AlbumLee Morgan Leader AlbumTony Williams' MusicMilt Jackson Leader AlbumJim Hall with Ron CarterJimmy Van Heusen's MusicKenny Dorham QuartetSonny Clark TrioTommy Flanagan with Red MitchellAhmad Jamal TrioCannonball Adderley with the Poll WinnersMal Waldron's MusicRed Garland TrioGerry Mulligan with Thelonious MonkEsperanza Spalding Leader AlbumHerbie Hancock Quartet