Instead, there are characteristics of jazz that are important to understand since these very basics are what our three musicians under consideration took far beyond the original format. First, while jazz may be difficult to define, it may be best to see it as a construct or category rather than a specific set of rules or harmonization (Cooke, 2002, 1-6)
Take, for example, the riot that occurred during the 1913 premier of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. Yet, contemporary audiences have become comfortable with the primitive rhythms and chromatic dissonances to the point where the music that was so "vile" is used in a children's cartoon movie (Disney's Fantasia), as well, interestingly enough, as a thematic basis for music from Davis, Coleman, and Taylor (Kidder and Oppenheim, 24-5)
So integrated into the modern American psyche, one is instantly transported into the years of World War II with a simple Benny Goodman "In the Mood," or the smoky and steamy lounges of the 1950s and 1960s with "Take Five," the 1970s with the mellow flugelhorn of Chuck Mangione or the stratospheric high notes of Maynard Ferguson; and how few notes does it take to realize that Ella Fitzgerald or Nancy Wilson are singing the blues -- the longing and unrequited love just flows from their vocal chords. Indeed, as one famous Jazz musicians said, "Ah, yes, isn't that something? We all came up with our own music -- and all using the same notes" (Mandell, 16)
Many scholars believe this pushed acceptance of the African-American experience to the point in which the Civil Rights movement gained such momentum that by the 1970s, Dixie style racism was a thing of the past. Indeed, Jazz, as part of American popular culture contributed to a changing American landscape -- political, socially, and culturally -- and continues to embrace multiculturalism and musical experimentation (Townsend, 2000)
He was greatly influenced by music, as his father, a shoemaker, played the flute as a hobby, and his four brothers played various instruments, as well. (Chilton) Each of Bechet's brothers showed an aptitude for music making, although playing music was regarded as a hobby in the Bechet family, something to indulge in when their daytime work was complete
He was greatly influenced by music, as his father, a shoemaker, played the flute as a hobby, and his four brothers played various instruments, as well. (Chilton) Each of Bechet's brothers showed an aptitude for music making, although playing music was regarded as a hobby in the Bechet family, something to indulge in when their daytime work was complete
I wish to set down the name of this artist of genius; as for myself, I shall never forget it, it is Sidney Bechet." (Williams) In 1923, Bechet made his recording debut with Clarence Williams, appearing on several of Williams' records backing up blues singers and on a classic session with the Clarence Williams Blue Five, featuring Louis Armstrong, whom he had know as a child in New Orleans
I wish to set down the name of this artist of genius; as for myself, I shall never forget it, it is Sidney Bechet." (Williams) In 1923, Bechet made his recording debut with Clarence Williams, appearing on several of Williams' records backing up blues singers and on a classic session with the Clarence Williams Blue Five, featuring Louis Armstrong, whom he had know as a child in New Orleans
The band was unsuccessful and the pair opened a dry-cleaning business in Harlem, where Bechet turned his talents to pressing and altering clothes. (Bechet) In 1938 he had a hit record of " Summertime
His style is characterized by a flawless technique, an intense style of playing, a romantic melodiousness and a thrilling, slow vibrato. (Hippenmeyer) Chapter Three: Soprano Sax and Clarinet The soprano saxophone is the instrument for which he is best known
It is also prominent in the last few notes of the piece. (Horricks) The sarrusophone, an unusual and unwieldy woodwind instrument with a double reed, never won over the public or caught the imagination of other musicians and composers
The instrument possesses a singing quality with a rich middle register, commanding low register, and an exciting and colorful extended range. (Kinkle) Many saxophonists perform in large ensembles including concert, jazz, and marching bands as well as wind ensemble
Bechet played with a pronounced vibrato, meaning he altered the pitch of his notes by slightly changing embouchure, the position and pressure of his mouth on the mouthpiece, to make the note waver above and below its true pitch. (Kennington) Bechet, unlike many other musicians, never changed his sound or style, despite changing trends in music
Davis was born in Alton, Illinois on May 26, 1926. His upbringing was "middle class," and he was exposed to music early in his life at the urging of both his parents (Kirker)
Miles Davis With a career spanning several decades, and an influence spanning several continents, Miles Davis has arguably had a bigger influence on jazz music than any other musician. In the 1991 obituary in The New York Times, Miles Davis was described as an "an elusive touchstone of jazz," and someone who "defined cool," (Pareles)
As Tingen puts it, the "hypnotic grooves, rooted in rock and African music, heralded a dramatic new musical universe." The album has also been referred to as a "watershed" moment for jazz (Tingen)
Davis did more than give birth to new types of jazz music as a composer; as a trumpet player Davis also rebranded the instrument. The trumpet as a lead instrument was forever changed after Miles Davis, who baffled critics with his "glaring defects" such as missed and cracked notes that somehow seemed irrelevant (Walser 343)
Although Sloan acknowledged that King, a Baptist preacher, was probably not a fan of jazz, he suggested that the musical genre lent far more to the social, political, and cultural world than smooth tunes. In fact, Sloan argued that not only was jazz thematically important during the civil rights movement based on its content, performs, and time period, but also that it mimicked the civil rights movement in terms of its style (Williams)
.He really encouraged me to continue practicing, to be confident that someday there would be [musical] recognition" (Gullard 2012)
The ballet dancer is probably the finest athlete in their venue. The demands of the dance, the daily practice for hours to develop the body and learn routines, the pure physical exertion of the demanding dances that are learned create a finely tuned body that is lean, muscular and can do about anything physical (Anderson 14)