Exam 2 Flashcards
What is swing?
In the 1930s and contained reeds, brass, and rhythm. It retained rhythmic contrast, bluesy phrasing, and balance between improvisation and composition. It was commercial, had clearly defined melodies, and dance grooves
The Big Bands
Jazz moved to the dance halls and became the most lucrative form of jazz. Arrangers needed to write out the parts for each instrument and keep the orchestra organized and playing together.
What were the most prolific swing band leaders?
Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Benny Goodman, and Chick Webb
American Culture that bounded Swing?
- The Great Depression
2. World War II
What was the Great Depression?
Stock market crash known as “Black Tuesday”. Lasted until 1939 and led to international depression. Worsened by dust bowl
World War II
Pearl Harbor bombed Dec 7, 1941 by Japanese
Savoy’s Dance Style = Lindy Hop
Savoy responsible for developing the Lindy Hop, which was named after pilot Charles Lindbergh. Known for “breakaways”
Swing Dance
Swing dance emerged in New York at the Savoy Ballroom. It is where battle of big bands emerged.
Instrumentation of Big Bands
Upright bass, Guitar
Soli
Arrangers started writing harmonized melodies for entire big band sections
Head Arrangements:
Technique popular among Kansas City Musicians, in which musicians would create a riff and then harmonize it for the entire band. One of the most famous band leaders to use it was Count Basie.
King of Swing
Benny Goodman
Benny Goodman
“King of Swing”. Clarinetist and Child Prodigy from Chicago. Moved to NY, formed big band, bought arrangements from fletcher Henderson and other African American band leaders. Featured in radio show Lets Dance
Benny Goodman Quartet
One of the first integrated groups in jazz history. Mostly known as a recording group. “Dinah”
Hammond
Jazz Entrepreneur. Responsible for numerous recordings. Kept extensive records of jazz recordings. Started trend of create research discographies
Artie Shaw
Clarinetist, studied with pianist Willie “The Lion” Smith. Began Career in radio. Recorded “Begin the Beguine”. Stood against segregation by hiring black arrangers and musicians
Jimmie Lunceford
“The Professor”. Stressed 3 Ps. Punctuality, Precision, and Presentation.
Glenn Miller
Trombonist, Sax section with clarinet on top. Served in arm band and went missing in airplane over English channel
Cab Calloway
The Alabamians, Replaced Ellington at The Cotton Club, Later appeared in films. Hired Chu berry, Dizzy Gillespie, and Cozy Cole.
Boswell Sisters
Connie, Martha, Helvetia. All female singers. Connie was primary arranger. Disbanded when Helvetia got married.
Delta Rhythm Boys
Directed by Lee Gaines. Appeared in Motion pictures. Formed at Langston University.
Where was the Southwest’s Urban Headquarters?
Kansas City
Tom Pendergast
Crime ring leader. Ties to mod and ran KCs politics.
Kansas City Blues Piano Style was also known as
Boogie Woogie
Boogie Woogie
Blue piano style built on firm rhythmic foundation in the left hand. Doubled the pace of the groove. Divided each beat in two, so the four beat measure now has eight beat pulse.
Three Giants of Boogie Woogie
- Meade Lux Lewis
- Albert Ammons
- Pete Johnson
Café Society
Social catalyst of equal opportunity for African American women in Jazz. Club owner was Barney Josephson, theme was political satire, and John Hammond was music advisor
Count Basie
Famous KC band leader. Pipe organ with fats waller. Meningitis. Joined Blue Devils
Benny Moten
Led prosperous band in KC region. Ragtime Pianist. Allegiance with Tom Pendergast. Rift style swing. Band w/ Walter Page, Count Basie, Hot Lips Page.
Basie then forms his own band
After Moten’s death, Basie retreated to Reno Club and formed his own band with several of Moten’s former musicians. Originally the group only had 9 musicians