'Cool' Jazz Flashcards
Which decade did ‘cool’ jazz belong to?
1950s.
Who are the predominant artists of this period?
Stan Getz, Miles Davis, David Brubeck.
What are the key elements of cool jazz?
It is softer, with unfettered (less vibrato or use of overtones) instrumental sounds.
It is generally more reflective in its nature.
Allows for a purity of melodic improvisation.
Describe the instrumentation of ‘cool’ jazz.
Orchestrations use more traditionally classical instruments.
What instrument did Stan Getz play?
Tenor saxophone.
What was the aim of Miles Davis’ album ‘Birth of the Cool’?
To create a new sound in contemporary music using harmonies inspired by the impressionists.
How was ‘Birth of the Cool’ inspired by the Impressionists?
New tonal colours, melodic (linear) invention.
How did Dave Brubeck’s ‘Time Out’ create new avenues in jazz?
Many of its tunes had irregular time signatures (inspired by Turkish street music).
How is ‘cool’ jazz different in terms of tonality and harmony?
Introduction of modal jazz.
Describe the phraseology of ‘cool’ jazz?
Swing quavers are syncopated without accents.
