Listening Test 1

Question 1

Original Dixieland Jazz Band

“Dixie Jazz Band One-Step”

Answer 1

(1917)

First Jazz recording.

ODJB had a similar structure to that of ragtime.

Good example of collective improvisation

Question 2

King Oliver and His Creole Jazz Band

“Alligator Hop”

Answer 2

(1923)

Rich in improvisation.

Use of breaks

Louis Armstong on cornet

Question 3

Louis Arstrong and Earl Hines

“West End Blues”

Answer 3

(1928)

Dramatic Introduction

Antiphonal scat singing between armstrong and the Clarinet

EH on the piano, flow-chop-flow

Armstrong’s infamous solo with extended high note

Question 4

Bix Bierderbecke and Frankie Trumbauer

“Riverboat Shuffle”

Answer 4

(1927)

Bierderbecke’s not selection while soloing

Hokum (sax)

Antiphony in breaks

Ride out

Question 5

Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong

“Reckless Blues”

Answer 5

(1925)

12-Bar blues

Harmonium and Louis on the Clarinet

Smith’s powerful voice complimented by Armstong’s improvisation

Question 6

Count Basie

“Taxi War Dance”

Answer 6

(1939)

Rhythm section with the boogie-woogie piano, smooth and even.

Solos, Lester Young on the tenor sax and Dickey Wells on the trombone.

A-A-B-A Form

Chorus of ANtiphony

Riff based composition

Question 7

Mary Lou Williams

Andy Kirk and his 12 clouds (ft. MLW)

“Walkin’ and “Swingin”

Answer 7

A-A-B-A Form

More elaborate instamentation than typically heard in Kansas City Bands of the 30’s

Angular Melody arranged for one trumpet and three saxaphones

Stride-based piano solo

Question 8

Duke Ellington’s Big Band

“Harlem Airshaft”

Answer 8

(1940)

Rhythm section walking four

Mix of NYC and New Orleans elements

Hot soloist against swing based back grounds

Breaks

Masterful use of variety of instraments