Jazz

Question 1

Define Jazz

Answer 1

Based on a tune or theme. Musicians improvise and make their own version of the tune.(almost never perform the same piece twice) Jazz band consists of two parts, front line and rhythm section.

Question 2

Front-line

Answer 2

Play the melody or tune. Often perform solo’s. Instruments-Trumpet, saxophone, trombone, clarinet right hand ride of the piano.

Question 3

Rhythm section

Answer 3

Keeps a steady beat. Play harmonies for the Front line to improvise on. Instruments-Double bass, drums, bass guitar and left hand side of the piano.

Question 4

Rhythm

Answer 4

Accent sometimes comes on the second beat or between main beats instead of the first. Called syncopation.

Question 5

Composing Jazz

Answer 5

Lots of improvisation, but there are some fixed elements. Rather to write the piece note by note, chords are used to go with the tune. Called chord symbols.

Question 6

How Jazz began

Answer 6

Origins mainly from African American music:Blues and Gospel. Then they were mixed with:French Military, Spanish Folk and European Ballroom dance music. Result? JAZZ!

Question 7

Jazz styles

Answer 7

1920s-New Orleans/Dixieland Jazz (Traditional or Trad Jazz). 1930s-Swing: bigger to impact ballrooms. Bands called Swing band or Big band. 1940s-Bebop/Modern Jazz: Developed by Thelonious Monk (Piano), Charlie Parker (Saxophone) and Dizzy Gillespie (Trumpet)
Late 1940s-Cool Jazz: Miles Davis (Trumpeter)

Question 8

Louis Armstrong

Answer 8

(1901-1971) American Jazz Trumpeter, Cornet player and singer from New Orleans Louisiana. Nicknamed Pops or Satchmo. He was so good his band let him play all solo’s.

Question 9

Louis Armstrong’s Musician collaborations

Answer 9

Bing Crosby. Ella Fitzgerald. Bessie Smith. Duke Ellington and Ray Charles.