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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Duke Ellington's MusicPat Metheny with Jim HallBennie Moten's MusicKenny Wheeler's MusicThe Ron Carter NonetKenny Barron with Charlie HadenArt Blakey & The Jazz MessengersMiles Davis' MusicMiles Davis SextetKeith Jarrett Acoustic DuoGrant Green Leader AlbumErroll Garner at the PianoPat Metheny Acoustic DuoLee Morgan Leader AlbumMonk in ParisThe Horace Silver QuintetBooker Little Leader AlbumThelonious Monk Leader AlbumHank Jones' MusicHoagy Carmichael's MusicChet Baker in ItalyRay Noble's MusicCharlie Parker's ReboppersCharlie Haden's Quartet WestRay Brown TrioChet Baker Sings and PlaysSam Rivers' MusicTadd Dameron SextetHorace Silver Trio with Art BlakeyJimmy McHugh's MusicFrank Sinatra SingsTommy Flanagan with Red MitchellDuke Ellington at the PianoDave Holland SextetVernon Duke's MusicCannonball Adderley's MusicGeorges Arvanitas TrioLou Donaldson QuintetNina Simone Leader AlbumMel Lewis SextetBob Dylan's MusicStan Getz & João GilbertoJ. R. Monterose Leader AlbumSam Jones' MusicBill Evans Trio with Stan GetzHenry Mancini's MusicColtrane ChangesJohn Lewis' MusicNancy Wilson's VoiceKaper - Washington's MusicA.C. Jobim's MusicBill Mobley Leader AlbumErnie Watts Leader AlbumPaul Chambers Leader AlbumTadd Dameron's MusicBill Evans Leader AlbumBarga JazzJoe Henderson TrioSonny Rollins Quartet with John ColtraneLennon - McCartney's MusicToots Thielemans's MusicPorgy and BessFats Waller's MusicPat Metheny with Charlie HadenCharles Mingus TrioSteve Swallow's MusicBud Powell's MusicRed Garland Trio with Art PepperHank Jones at the PianoJohn Coltrane's MusicPat Metheny Leader AlbumBill Evans' MusicGerry Mulligan QuartetBenny Goodman SextetWayne Shorte Leader AlbumGerry Mulligan with Johnny HodgesWes Montgomery Leader AlbumRadiohead's MusicSonny Clark TrioMarsalis - Lee's MusicThelonious Monk's MusicMiles Davis Quintet with John ColtraneLou Donaldson Leader AlbumHouston Person with Ron CarterBill Evans with Eddie GomezEric Dolphy's MusicCharles Mingus' MusicRon Carter TrioHank Jones Leader AlbumCannonball Adderley with the Poll WinnersThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Louis ArmstrongRudy Van GelderDado Moroni with Tom HarrellRodgers - Hart's MusicEllington - Gershwin's MusicOscar Peterson's MusicMiles Davis QuartetBobby Timmons Leader AlbumBirth of the CoolBenny Golson's MusicGrant Green's MusicBrad Mehldau TrioMontgomery BrothersSwedish JazzWarren Bernhardt TrioItalian Jazz MusiciansTony Williams' MusicMiles Davis' First Great QuintetJay Jay Johnson Leader AlbumDizzy Gillespie SextetTraditional Irish MelodyMiles Davis' Second Great QuintetKenny Barron at the PianoOliver Nelson's MusicHank Jones with Charlie HadenJackie McLean Leader AlbumJoe Pass with NHØ PedersenEnrico Pieranunzi at the PianoThe Don Byas - Slam Stewart DuoChet Baker PlaysJohn Coltrane with Tadd DameronJoe Henderson's MusicHammerstein - Kern's MusicDave Holland's MusicColeman Hawkins Swing FourPat Metheny with Larry GrenadierRichard Rodgers' MusicRay Brown Leader AlbumCole Porter's MusicJohn Coltrane Quartet with Johnny HartmanJimmy Van Heusen's MusicJazz with String OrchestraMcCoy Tyner TrioRed Garland Trio with John ColtranePaul Chambers QuintetPaul Chambers SextetSonny Clark's MusicWarne Marsh Leader AlbumRon Carter's MusicRoy Haynes Leader AlbumSonny Stitt Leader AlbumMonk in TokyoShorty Rogers and his giantsWes Montgomery's MusicLee Morgan's MusicKind of BlueButch Warren's MusicCharlie Parker's MusicChicago JazzAhmad Jamal TrioClifford Brown SextetQuincy Jones' ArrangementSam Jones Leader AlbumVillage VanguardOliver Nelson Leader AlbumAllan Holdsworth Leader AlbumGerry Mulligan's MusicPaul Chambers' MusicMal Waldron's MusicHorace Parlan Leader AlbumEsbjörn Svensson TrioGerry Mulligan with Thelonious MonkTeo Macero's ProductionBud Powell TrioSheila Jordan's VoiceThe Oscar Peterson TrioRay Brown Trio with Ulf WakeniusThe London House SessionsKenny Barron with Dave HollandThe Ornette Coleman QuartetKenny Dorham's MusicSonny Rollins TrioPaul Chambers QuartetWarren Wolf with Christian McBrideMichel Legrand's MusicWynton Kelly Leader AlbumHampton Hawes' MusicBlue Mitchell QuartetHerbie Hancock Leader AlbumIrving Berlin's MusicTom Jobim at the PianoCedar Walton Leader AlbumPat Moran TrioBobby Timmons TrioCharlie Haden's MusicEsperanza Spalding's MusicChick Corea Leader AlbumChick Corea's MusicBenny Goodman And His OrchestraWynton Kelly TrioChet Baker SingsCannonball Adderley QuintetDave Brubeck's MusicLee Kontiz Leader AlbumHank Mobley Leader AlbumMcCoy Tyner at the PianoSonny Clark Leader AlbumJazz ContrafactHorace Silver's MusicThe Modern Jazz QuartetDexter Gordon's MusicTwo Double BassesMajor Holley QuintetBill Evans QuintetMcCoy Tyner's MusicJimmy Heath's MusicJohnny Griffin Leader AlbumKenny Burrel's MusicPaul Desmond Leader AlbumRodgers - Hammerstein's MusicSonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz QuartetThe Count Basie OrchestraRay Brown's MusicRay Brown with Pierre BoussaguetChristian McBride TrioJoshua Redman Leader AlbumCharles Mingus Leader AlbumOscar Peterson Leader AlbumJim Hall with Ron CarterHerbie Hancock QuartetDizzy Gillespie's MusicSonny Rollins Leader AlbumEsperanza Spalding Leader AlbumThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Ben WebsterJohn Coltrane Leader AlbumEric Dolphy Leader AlbumCedar Walton's MusicDexter Gordon Leader AlbumBill Stewart Leader AlbumNina Simone at the PianoRed Garland's MusicKenny Dorham QuartetStan Getz and The Oscar Peterson TrioMiles Davis Leader AlbumClifford Brown's MusicUmbria JazzThelonious Monk TrioKenny Wheeler Leader AlbumHank Mobley's MusicVictor Young's MusicCedar Walton at the PianoCharlie Parker Leader AlbumThe Dave Brubeck QuartetMiles Davis All-Star SextetBill Evans TrioWayne Shorter's MusicJimmy Rowles with Ray BrownJackie McLean's MusicTadd Dameron Leader AlbumThe Blanton–Webster BandRay Brown Trio with Ralph MooreKenny Burrell Leader AlbumBobby Timmons' MusicJohn Coltrane with Thelonious MonkThe Poll WinnersJohn Coltrane QuartetMiles Davis' First Great Quintet with Cannonball AdderleySonny Rollins' MusicVictor Feldman's MusicStan Getz Leader AlbumOscar Pettiford Leader AlbumThe Charles Mingus Quintet & Max RoachGershwin's MusicJohnny Hartman Leader AlbumLucky Thompson Leader AlbumKenny Burrell with Jimmy RaneyBurt Bacharach's MusicHorace Silver and the Jazz MessengersThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Clark TerryOrnette Coleman's MusicBarry Harris TrioClifford Brown and Max RoachMilt Jackson Leader AlbumGeorge Shearing's MusicMiles Davis QuintetHerbie Hancock's MusicThad Jones' MusicPat Metheny's MusicJoe Henderson QuartetThelonious Monk QuartetDexter Gordon QuartetJerome Kern's MusicLiberation Music OrchestraOscar Pettiford's MusicFrank Loesser's MusicSonny Rollins in EuropeJoe Henderson Leader AlbumNewportElla Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong with Oscar Peterson QuartetKeith Jarrett TrioBrad Mehldau's MusicDave Holland Big BandHampton Hawes Leader AlbumWynton Kelly's MusicDiana Krall Leader AlbumKenny Barron Leader AlbumDave Holland QuintetMilt Jackson QuartetBen Webster with Harry Sweets EdisonGil Evans' arrangementThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Ralph MooreFreddie Hubbard Leader AlbumRed Garland TrioVictor Feldman TrioAhmad Jamal's MusicTommy Flanagan TrioKeith Jarrett with Charlie HadenMilt Jackson and Wes MontgomeryOrnette Coleman Leader AlbumDon Byas QuartetMilt Jackson's MusicThe Duke Ellington OrchestraSchwartz - Dietz's MusicCannonball Adderley Leader AlbumBilly Strayhorn's MusicMingus Big BandJuan Tizol's MusicCal Tjader SextetWilbur Ware QuintetHank Jones with Christian McBride