What Is Jazz?“MAN, IF YOU HAVE TO ASK WHAT JAZZ IS, YOU'LL NEVER KNOW.” – LOUIS ARMSTRONG

Some Eras and Genres in Jazz

New Orleans – (late 1890s-1920?) Chicago – (1920s) Swing – (1930s-40) Bebop – (1940s Cool Jazz, Hard Bop – (1950s) Avant-Garde, Free Jazz – (1960s?) Fusion (1970)

Possible Definitions/Descriptions of Jazz (Gridley)

Strict definition – improvisation and “swing feel” Tradition “Family Resemblances” “Jazzness”

Improvisation and “Swing Feel”

Improvisation Extemporaneous composition Composition in the moment Often seems spontaneous, but requires dedication and skill

development “Language”

“Swing Feel” (see notes on possible definitions of swing - http://people.eku.edu/nelsonl/muh271/swingdefinition.html) Term used to refer to a variety of concepts, most often either:

A description of the quality of performance (like “groove”), or A potentially complex set of performance practices

Instrumentation

What instruments (including voice) are used? Timbre

The distinctive sound/tone color of each instrument Differences between 2 performers Manipulation by a performer Mutes – used by brass players to modify the character of the sound

Performance practices

Ensemble Small group:

soloist(s), often primary focus of attention. provides melody. improvised solos

rhythm section. typically piano and/or guitar, bass, drums. provides rhythmic and harmonic foundation.

Big Band (or larger ensemble). horn sections/rhythm section. typically more focus on composition, arrangement, ensemble

performance.