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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Red Garland Trio with Art PepperJoe Henderson Leader AlbumCole Porter's MusicOliver Nelson's MusicCannonball Adderley's MusicDexter Gordon Leader AlbumColeman Hawkins Swing FourEric Dolphy's MusicBill Mobley Leader AlbumEric Dolphy Leader AlbumDuke Ellington at the PianoCannonball Adderley QuintetOscar Pettiford's MusicThe London House SessionsGerry Mulligan with Johnny HodgesKenny Barron with Charlie HadenPat Metheny Acoustic DuoTom Jobim at the PianoRay Noble's MusicWynton Kelly Leader AlbumDuke Ellington's MusicMiles Davis SextetSonny Clark Leader AlbumRadiohead's MusicCannonball Adderley with the Poll WinnersQuincy Jones' ArrangementBirth of the CoolButch Warren's MusicDon Byas QuartetPaul Chambers QuintetDexter Gordon's MusicJohn Lewis' MusicBarry Harris TrioThe Oscar Peterson TrioRon Carter TrioBill Evans with Eddie GomezBill Evans Trio with Stan GetzPat Metheny with Charlie HadenAhmad Jamal TrioDave Holland's MusicBud Powell TrioCharlie Parker's MusicIrving Berlin's MusicJoe Pass with NHØ PedersenSonny Rollins TrioJimmy Rowles with Ray BrownHorace Silver's MusicThe Ron Carter NonetBenny Golson's MusicCharlie Haden's MusicVictor Young's MusicSonny Clark TrioBrad Mehldau TrioJackie McLean Leader AlbumFreddie Hubbard Leader AlbumHouston Person with Ron CarterJohn Coltrane QuartetStan Getz & João GilbertoEnrico Pieranunzi at the PianoMel Lewis SextetSam Jones' MusicJoshua Redman Leader AlbumTadd Dameron Leader AlbumBarga JazzTadd Dameron SextetKind of BlueGerry Mulligan's MusicFrank Loesser's MusicRon Carter's MusicKenny Dorham QuartetCharles Mingus' MusicDexter Gordon QuartetArt Blakey & The Jazz MessengersHampton Hawes' MusicWes Montgomery's MusicMichel Petrucciani Leader AlbumMingus Big BandClifford Brown's MusicMiles Davis QuartetNina Simone at the PianoMal Waldron's MusicThelonious Monk QuartetSonny Rollins Leader AlbumBill Evans' MusicFats Waller's MusicJoe Henderson TrioChicago JazzThe Blanton–Webster BandNewportVernon Duke's MusicJerome Kern's MusicCedar Walton at the PianoMiles Davis' Second Great QuintetRay Brown Trio with Ralph MooreLee Morgan Leader AlbumDiana Krall Leader AlbumThe Count Basie OrchestraKeith Jarrett Acoustic DuoMilt Jackson Leader AlbumWayne Shorter's MusicWynton Kelly TrioWarren Wolf with Christian McBrideBennie Moten's MusicOrnette Coleman Leader AlbumBen Webster with Harry Sweets EdisonChick Corea's MusicPaul Chambers QuartetThe Duke Ellington OrchestraDonald Byrd's MusicPaul Desmond Leader AlbumBobby Timmons TrioTeo Macero's ProductionHorace Silver and the Jazz MessengersTommy Flanagan TrioSonny Rollins in EuropeElla Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong with Oscar Peterson QuartetHank Mobley Leader AlbumWilbur Ware QuintetMiles Davis QuintetShorty Rogers and his giantsLee Morgan's MusicDave Brubeck's MusicSonny Rollins' MusicBill Stewart Leader AlbumFreddie Hubbard's MusicMilt Jackson QuartetCharles Mingus Leader AlbumWarne Marsh Leader AlbumSonny Clark's MusicRay Brown TrioChet Baker in ItalyBud Powell's MusicMarsalis - Lee's MusicCharlie Parker Leader AlbumChet Baker Sings and PlaysJohnny Hartman Leader AlbumPaul Chambers SextetTadd Dameron's MusicJimmy McHugh's MusicJimmy Heath's MusicHank Jones at the PianoKaper - Washington's MusicCannonball Adderley Leader AlbumThad Jones' MusicKeith Jarrett European QuartetLou Donaldson QuintetRudy Van GelderJohn Coltrane with Thelonious MonkJohnny Griffin Leader AlbumSam Rivers' MusicBill Evans Leader AlbumPat Moran TrioTommy Flanagan with Red MitchellHank Jones Leader AlbumItalian Jazz MusiciansPaul Chambers' MusicJay Jay Johnson Leader AlbumMiles Davis Leader AlbumJim Hall with Ron CarterHammerstein - Kern's MusicRay Brown Leader AlbumLennon - McCartney's MusicTony Williams' MusicDave Holland SextetJuan Tizol's MusicErroll Garner at the PianoKenny Burrel's MusicVictor Feldman TrioJohn Scofield's MusicHorace Silver Trio with Art BlakeySteve Swallow's MusicSwedish JazzClifford Brown and Max RoachMilt Jackson's MusicMonk in TokyoTraditional Irish MelodyHerbie Hancock Leader AlbumGil Evans' arrangementThe Ornette Coleman QuartetThe Don Byas - Slam Stewart DuoJ. R. Monterose Leader AlbumEsperanza Spalding Leader AlbumPaul Chambers Leader AlbumPat Metheny's MusicErnie Watts Leader AlbumCarla Bley Leader AlbumBenny Goodman And His OrchestraCharlie Parker's ReboppersStan Getz and The Oscar Peterson TrioMiles Davis' MusicMontgomery BrothersJohn Coltrane with Tadd DameronPat Metheny with Jim HallMcCoy Tyner Leader AlbumToots Thielemans's MusicHank Jones with Christian McBrideRed Garland TrioKenny Burrell Leader AlbumPat Metheny Leader AlbumGrant Green's MusicJazz ContrafactKenny Wheeler Leader AlbumWes Montgomery Leader AlbumRay Brown Trio with Ulf WakeniusHank Jones' MusicWarren Bernhardt TrioCharles Mingus TrioMilt Jackson and Wes MontgomeryMonk in ParisThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Ben WebsterPat Metheny GroupThe Modern Jazz QuartetAhmad Jamal's MusicSheila Jordan's VoiceRodgers - Hammerstein's MusicPat Metheny with Larry GrenadierGeorges Arvanitas TrioKenny Dorham's MusicVictor Feldman's MusicMiles Davis Quintet with John ColtraneHerbie Hancock QuartetThelonious Monk's MusicJohn Coltrane Quartet with Johnny HartmanBill Evans TrioMichel Petrucciani's MusicKeith Jarrett with Charlie HadenHorace Parlan Leader AlbumMcCoy Tyner at the PianoKenny Barron with Dave HollandDizzy Gillespie SextetBenny Goodman SextetLucky Thompson Leader AlbumMajor Holley QuintetNancy Wilson's VoiceEsperanza Spalding's MusicCarla Bley's MusicBilly Strayhorn's MusicJazz with String OrchestraHoagy Carmichael's MusicDave Holland Big BandCedar Walton's MusicChristian McBride TrioThe Horace Silver QuintetKenny Wheeler's MusicJohn Scofield Leader AlbumTwo Double BassesBurt Bacharach's MusicThe Charles Mingus Quintet & Max RoachJunior Mance TrioThe Dave Brubeck QuartetCedar Walton Leader AlbumBooker Little Leader AlbumMcCoy Tyner TrioRoy Haynes Leader AlbumKenny Barron at the PianoJohn Coltrane Leader AlbumThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Louis ArmstrongBill Evans QuintetGerry Mulligan QuartetWynton Kelly's MusicKenny Burrell with Jimmy RaneyHenry Mancini's MusicChet Baker SingsSonny Stitt Leader AlbumOliver Nelson Leader AlbumKeith Jarrett TrioGrant Green Leader AlbumChick Corea Leader AlbumPorgy and BessThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Ralph MooreSchwartz - Dietz's MusicJoe Henderson's MusicOscar Peterson's MusicHank Mobley's MusicThe Poll WinnersFrank Sinatra SingsGeorge Shearing's MusicBrad Mehldau's MusicDizzy Gillespie's MusicRed Garland's MusicHank Jones with Charlie HadenOscar Peterson Leader AlbumHampton Hawes Leader AlbumThelonious Monk Leader AlbumOrnette Coleman's MusicJimmy Van Heusen's MusicBobby Timmons' MusicJoe Henderson QuartetMiles Davis' First Great Quintet with Cannonball AdderleyEsbjörn Svensson TrioMcCoy Tyner's MusicJackie McLean's MusicGershwin's MusicA.C. Jobim's MusicMichel Legrand's MusicJohn Coltrane's MusicRay Brown's MusicRed Garland Trio with John ColtraneChick Corea Elektric BandEllington - Gershwin's MusicLouis Armstrong & His All-StarsDave Holland QuintetLiberation Music OrchestraLee Kontiz Leader AlbumKenny Barron Leader AlbumBob Dylan's MusicBobby Timmons Leader AlbumCal Tjader SextetThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Clark TerrySam Jones Leader AlbumAllan Holdsworth Leader AlbumStan Getz Leader AlbumOscar Pettiford Leader AlbumHerbie Hancock's MusicNina Simone Leader AlbumCharlie Haden's Quartet WestSonny Rollins Quartet with John ColtraneRay Brown with Pierre BoussaguetMiles Davis All-Star SextetRichard Rodgers' MusicChet Baker PlaysVillage VanguardMiles Davis' First Great QuintetClifford Brown SextetGerry Mulligan with Thelonious MonkDonald Byrd Leader AlbumThelonious Monk TrioSonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz QuartetDado Moroni with Tom HarrellLou Donaldson Leader AlbumRodgers - Hart's MusicKeith Jarrett's MusicUmbria JazzBlue Mitchell QuartetWayne Shorte Leader AlbumColtrane ChangesThe Great Jazz TrioBlue Mitchell Leader Album