'West End Blues' by Louis Armstrong

Question 1

When was this piece written?

Answer 1

1928.

Question 2

What was Louis Armstrong’s band called?

Answer 2

The Hot Five.

Question 3

What are the stylistic features of this piece?

Answer 3

Early jazz, with large blues influences.

Question 4

What is the structure of this piece?

Answer 4

Heads - solos - heads.

Question 5

Describe the harmony/tonality of this piece.

Answer 5

Standard blues pattern with chromatic alteration.
Follows 12 bar blues structure (heard in comping piano, which accompanies throughout most of the piece).
Inverted dominant pedal held for a few bars at the end.
Mainly triadic harmony.

Question 6

Describe the melodic writing of this piece.

Answer 6

Clear melody line.
Slidey and bluesy.

Question 7

Describe the rhythm of this piece.

Answer 7

Clear rhythm and slow tempo established by piano comping.
Common time (4/4).

Question 8

Describe the texture of this piece.

Answer 8

Call and response between improvised scat vials and trombone during vocal solo.
Mainly homophonic.

Question 9

Describe the sonority of this piece.

Answer 9

Prominence in virtuosity in the opening trumpet solo; afterwards, strumpet is slow, gentle, slides.
Each instrument solos.
Piano solo is virtuosic with a ragtime bass; it arpeggiates before becoming more syncopated and swing.
Milk bottle sound.

Question 10

What instrument did Louis Armstrong play?

Answer 10

Trumpet, cornet, vocals (scat).