Jazz Styles Periods

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CHARACTERISTICS: Use of collective improvisation (polyphony). Front line of trumpet (or cornet), clarinet, trombone. New Orleans style typically included banjo and tuba, later replaced by guitar and string bass in Chicago Style. Chicago Style also typically adds saxophone to the front line. Use of flat four in New Orleans Style, later replaced by lighter two beat feel in Chicago Style: the time signature and rhythm changed from 4/4 to 2/4 (accenting beats 2 and 4, rather than 1 and 3). Modern drum set emerges when New Orleans musicians begin to consolidate the drum section (bass, snare, cymbals) commonly found in early New Orleans brass bands.

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Louis Armstrong (cornet/trumpet), Bix Beiderbecke (cornet), Jelly Roll Morton (piano/composer), Sidney Bechet (soprano sax, clarinet), Buddy Bolden (cornet), Joe "King" Oliver (cornet/bandleader), Earl "Fatha" Hines (piano)...

CHARACTERISTICS: Most popular period in jazz history. Large ensembles, less improvisation, more emphasis on written arrangements. Emphasis on showmanship (band uniforms, theme songs, logos on stands, choreography, singers). Development of sections (saxes, trumpets, trombones, rhythm) based on the early model of the front line in New Orleans/Chicago Style Dixieland. Smoother swing feel (steady 4/4 time with emphasis on beats 2 & 4, walking bass, ride cymbal). Features of standard big band arrangements could include: Tutti (all horns playing a melodic line in harmony), Soli (one section featured playing a melodic line in harmony), Shout Chorus (climatic tutti section at the end of the arrangement), Cross-section voicing (a harmonized melodic line voiced using instruments from different sections within the band), Riffs (repeated short melodic and/or rhythmic pattern).

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Duke Ellington (piano/composer), Count Basie (piano/bandleader), Benny Goodman (clarinet/bandleader), Coleman Hawkins (tenor sax), Lester Young (tenor sax), Roy Eldridge (trumpet)...

CHARACTERISTICS: Small ensembles (trio, quartet, quintet). Focus on improvisation rather than on complex arrangements. Complex, angular melodies usually played in unison. Longer, irregular phrasing. Usually faster tempos than in swing. Emphasis on virtuosity, instrumental technique. Drummer is now more interactive (dropping bombs) with soloist. Use of contrafacts (original melody lines written over standard chord progressions). Increased harmonic complexities (alterations and substitutions of standard chord progressions).

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Charlie Parker (alto sax), Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet), Bud Powell (piano), Thelonious Monk (piano/composer), Max Roach (drums), Dexter Gordon (tenor sax), J.J. Johnson (trombone)...

CHARACTERISTICS: Calm, unhurried approach to improvisation. Thinner textures, softer dynamics, smoother melodic phrasing. Horn players tend to play with a lighter, less harsh tone quality with little vibrato (influence of Lester Young). Less intense kicks/bombs by drummers, increased use of brushes. More intricate arrangements, an emphasis on composition. New instrumental combinations (flute, cello, french horn, oboe, etc.). Renewed interest of collective improvisation. Less obvious blues influence.

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Miles Davis (trumpet), Dave Brubeck (piano/composer), Paul Desmond & Lee Konitz (alto sax), Lennie Tristano (piano/composer/teacher), Chet Baker (trumpet/vocals), Gerry Mulligan (bari sax/composer), Modern Jazz Quartet, Stan Getz (tenor sax), Gil Evans (piano/composer)...

CHARACTERISTICS: Raw, hard driving style with an emotional emphasis. Extensive use of the blues & gospel music. Emphasis on "groove" (funky), danceability and the "shuffle" rhythm. Latin elements and a "straight" eighth note feel used at times. Somewhat slower tempos and simpler melodies than in bop. Primarily black musicians from New York City, Detroit and Philadelphia.

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Art Blakey (drums) & The Jazz Messengers, Horace Silver (piano), Sonny Rollins (tenor sax), John Coltrane (tenor sax), Hank Mobley (tenor sax), Clifford Brown (trumpet), Lee Morgan (trumpet), Cannonball Adderley (alto sax), Charles Mingus (bass/composer), Benny Golson (tenor sax/composer) & The Jazztet, Miles Davis' (trumpet) "classic" quintet (1955-59), The Oscar Peterson Trio, The Bill Evans Trio, Joe Henderson (tenor sax), Wes Montgomery (guitar), João Gilberto (guitar/vocals/composer), Tom Jobim (composer/arranger/piano/vocals), Vinícius de Moraes (vocals/songwriter)...

CHARACTERISTICS: Open or free forms; tunes often complete improvisations. Lack of preset chord changes. Usually dense textures, high energy playing (energy music). Collective improvisation of a more dissonant, atonal nature. Oftentimes ensembles omit use of a piano or chord instrument. Experimental instruments & instrumentations. Use of unorthodox sounds (squeaks, screams, noise, etc) and extended techniques (altissimo register, multiphonics, etc). Interest in non-western musical concepts (world music) and 20th century classical composers such as John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen.

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Ornette Coleman (alto sax/composer), Cecil Taylor (piano/composer), Albert Ayler (tenor sax), Anthony Braxton (saxophones/composer)...

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CHARACTERISTICS: Extensive use of electronic instruments: electric piano (Fender Rhodes), synthesizers (multiple keyboards), electric bass (bass guitar), electric guitar, electronic modifications on acoustic instruments. Focus of attention on the rhythm section. More attention on studio recording technology and the process of recording. More emphasis on straight eighth note feel (rock) than on swing. Harmony often simple chord repetitions (static harmony, vamps). Bass lines often repetitive. Pieces range from simple melodies with vamps and open forms to complex through-composed , sectionalized compositions. Saxophones used more often than brass instruments.

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Miles Davis (trumpet/bandleader: Bitches' Brew, In A Silent Way), Chick Corea (keyboards/leader: Return to Forever), Herbie Hancock (piano/leader/composer), Wayne Shorter (tenor/soprano sax), Weather Report (group), Tony Williams (drums/composer), John McLaughlin (guitar/leader: Mahavishnu Orchestra)...

CHARACTERISTICS: No single dominant stylistic trend has emerged in the 1980s or 90s. Instead, a continuation of previous styles, crossovers, and new styles derived from various sources are common. Some notable trends within this eclecticism seem to be: 1) a further sophistication of electronic jazz through the use of computers, 2) a resurgent neo-bop and neo-traditionalist movement (Neo-Classicism), 3) expanded instrumental & vocal techniques, 4) a greater involvement of women, and 5) the growth of European and "world music" jazz styles.

IMPORTANT MUSICIANS: Pat Metheny Group (fusion band), Michael Brecker (tenor sax: also founding member of fusion group Steps Ahead), Wynton Marsalis (trumpet/composer: associated with Neo-Classic movement), Joe Lovano (tenor sax), Kenny Garrett (alto sax), Don Byron (clarinet/composer), Dave Douglas (trumpet/composer), Bobby McFerrin (voice), Steve Coleman (alto sax: associated with M-BASE movement), Cassandra Wilson (voice: associated with M-BASE movement), Dave Sanborn (alto sax), Chick Corea's Elektric Band (fusion band), John Scofield (guitar), Keith Jarrett Trio (piano/bass/drums acoustic jazz trio)...



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Fats Waller's MusicNina Simone at the PianoJuan Tizol's MusicHank Mobley Leader AlbumSheila Jordan's VoiceGeorges Arvanitas TrioPaul Chambers SextetJohnny Hartman Leader AlbumEric Dolphy Leader AlbumThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Ben WebsterCannonball Adderley QuintetCedar Walton Leader AlbumBenny Goodman SextetDexter Gordon's MusicHenry Mancini's MusicStan Getz and The Oscar Peterson TrioKeith Jarrett Acoustic DuoMcCoy Tyner's MusicSonny Clark Leader AlbumPat Moran TrioThe Oscar Peterson TrioTony Williams' MusicKenny Wheeler's MusicPat Metheny with Larry GrenadierSteve Swallow's MusicBob Dylan's MusicRed Garland TrioPat Metheny Leader AlbumDave Holland's MusicJazz ContrafactBrad Mehldau's MusicEnrico Pieranunzi at the PianoBill Evans TrioHorace Silver Trio with Art BlakeyHank Mobley's MusicKenny Wheeler Leader AlbumTommy Flanagan with Red MitchellTadd Dameron SextetPaul Chambers QuartetNewportGerry Mulligan QuartetDiana Krall Leader AlbumCharlie Parker Leader AlbumGerry Mulligan with Johnny HodgesRadiohead's MusicLee Kontiz Leader AlbumThe Blanton–Webster BandSonny Rollins TrioCharlie Haden's Quartet WestJoe Henderson TrioThe London House SessionsSchwartz - Dietz's MusicPaul Chambers' MusicMiles Davis All-Star SextetHank Jones with Charlie HadenNancy Wilson's VoiceCannonball Adderley's MusicTraditional Irish MelodyDado Moroni with Tom HarrellThe Dave Brubeck QuartetUmbria JazzDave Holland SextetRodgers - Hammerstein's MusicJoe Henderson QuartetPat Metheny's MusicKeith Jarrett with Charlie HadenLiberation Music OrchestraCharles Mingus' MusicShorty Rogers and his giantsJackie McLean Leader AlbumRay Brown with Pierre BoussaguetClifford Brown SextetTeo Macero's ProductionOscar Peterson's MusicHampton Hawes Leader AlbumDon Byas QuartetLucky Thompson Leader AlbumStan Getz Leader AlbumVernon Duke's MusicRed Garland's MusicChick Corea Elektric BandHouston Person with Ron CarterBobby Timmons' MusicMiles Davis' First Great Quintet with Cannonball AdderleyJazz with String OrchestraOliver Nelson's MusicMingus Big BandCharlie Haden's MusicEsperanza Spalding's MusicRoy Haynes Leader AlbumColtrane ChangesThe Great Jazz TrioJohn Coltrane with Tadd DameronWynton Kelly TrioPat Metheny with Charlie HadenMajor Holley QuintetWarren Bernhardt TrioMiles Davis SextetThe Poll WinnersHammerstein - Kern's MusicLouis Armstrong & His All-StarsOscar Pettiford Leader AlbumCole Porter's MusicBill Stewart Leader AlbumChet Baker in ItalyJimmy Heath's MusicRay Brown's MusicCal Tjader SextetCedar Walton's MusicBenny Goodman And His OrchestraWes Montgomery's MusicJerome Kern's MusicMcCoy Tyner TrioChick Corea's MusicMarsalis - Lee's MusicMcCoy Tyner at the PianoKeith Jarrett TrioEsbjörn Svensson TrioJoshua Redman Leader AlbumAhmad Jamal's MusicThe Ornette Coleman QuartetPaul Chambers QuintetOrnette Coleman's MusicTadd Dameron Leader AlbumOscar Peterson Leader AlbumCannonball Adderley Leader AlbumHerbie Hancock Leader AlbumJohn Lewis' MusicMichel Legrand's MusicEllington - Gershwin's MusicFreddie Hubbard's MusicJay Jay Johnson Leader AlbumDave Holland QuintetBenny Golson's MusicBill Evans QuintetPaul Desmond Leader AlbumClifford Brown's MusicMonk in ParisJoe Pass with NHØ PedersenThe Horace Silver QuintetThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Clark TerryRay Noble's MusicKind of BlueSam Jones' MusicToots Thielemans's MusicBobby Timmons Leader AlbumThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Ralph MooreChet Baker Sings and PlaysJohn Coltrane QuartetBlue Mitchell Leader AlbumAllan Holdsworth Leader AlbumChet Baker SingsHorace Parlan Leader AlbumBill Evans with Eddie GomezOrnette Coleman Leader AlbumMiles Davis QuintetRed Garland Trio with John ColtraneFreddie Hubbard Leader AlbumVictor Young's MusicBurt Bacharach's MusicHank Jones with Christian McBrideHorace Silver's MusicThe Modern Jazz QuartetBen Webster with Harry Sweets EdisonBill Evans' MusicMiles Davis' First Great QuintetBooker Little Leader AlbumA.C. Jobim's MusicHampton Hawes' MusicKenny Dorham QuartetHank Jones Leader AlbumThe Charles Mingus Quintet & Max RoachHoagy Carmichael's MusicKenny Barron Leader AlbumSam Jones Leader AlbumWes Montgomery Leader AlbumBud Powell TrioWarren Wolf with Christian McBrideDave Brubeck's MusicBrad Mehldau TrioWayne Shorte Leader AlbumMonk in TokyoGerry Mulligan with Thelonious MonkJackie McLean's MusicSonny Rollins in EuropeDave Holland Big BandVillage VanguardJohn Coltrane with Thelonious MonkRay Brown TrioLou Donaldson Leader AlbumBirth of the CoolArt Blakey & The Jazz MessengersMel Lewis SextetCharles Mingus TrioTom Jobim at the PianoLee Morgan's MusicEsperanza Spalding Leader AlbumSwedish JazzMilt Jackson and Wes MontgomeryKenny Barron with Charlie HadenHerbie Hancock's MusicSonny Stitt Leader AlbumKenny Burrel's MusicWynton Kelly's MusicKenny Barron at the PianoCharlie Parker's ReboppersHerbie Hancock QuartetBud Powell's MusicJohn Coltrane's MusicCannonball Adderley with the Poll WinnersMilt Jackson QuartetWarne Marsh Leader AlbumWynton Kelly Leader AlbumDizzy Gillespie SextetBarga JazzLou Donaldson QuintetJim Hall with Ron CarterRay Brown Trio with Ulf WakeniusRay Brown Leader AlbumLennon - McCartney's MusicMiles Davis Leader AlbumGil Evans' arrangementBill Evans Leader AlbumJimmy Rowles with Ray BrownThad Jones' MusicIrving Berlin's MusicPaul Chambers Leader AlbumColeman Hawkins Swing FourVictor Feldman TrioChicago JazzHank Jones at the PianoJoe Henderson Leader AlbumThe Duke Ellington OrchestraTommy Flanagan TrioThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Louis ArmstrongFrank Sinatra SingsJ. R. Monterose Leader AlbumNina Simone Leader AlbumTadd Dameron's MusicSonny Clark TrioKenny Barron with Dave HollandCharles Mingus Leader AlbumMilt Jackson Leader AlbumGrant Green's MusicMiles Davis' Second Great QuintetSonny Clark's MusicDuke Ellington at the PianoJohn Coltrane Quartet with Johnny HartmanThelonious Monk QuartetRed Garland Trio with Art PepperSam Rivers' MusicWilbur Ware QuintetBill Evans Trio with Stan GetzBobby Timmons TrioRudy Van GelderCedar Walton at the PianoThe Don Byas - Slam Stewart DuoDizzy Gillespie's MusicGerry Mulligan's MusicJohnny Griffin Leader AlbumThelonious Monk's MusicPorgy and BessBilly Strayhorn's MusicOliver Nelson Leader AlbumChristian McBride TrioFrank Loesser's MusicTwo Double BassesRay Brown Trio with Ralph MooreQuincy Jones' ArrangementErroll Garner at the PianoCharlie Parker's MusicRon Carter TrioSonny Rollins Leader AlbumMiles Davis' MusicEric Dolphy's MusicJoe Henderson's MusicMilt Jackson's MusicRodgers - Hart's MusicRichard Rodgers' MusicThe Ron Carter NonetPat Metheny Acoustic DuoClifford Brown and Max RoachMiles Davis Quintet with John ColtraneChet Baker PlaysThe Count Basie OrchestraSonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz QuartetHank Jones' MusicMiles Davis QuartetLee Morgan Leader AlbumPat Metheny with Jim HallDexter Gordon QuartetButch Warren's MusicStan Getz & João GilbertoThelonious Monk Leader AlbumGeorge Shearing's MusicBennie Moten's MusicGrant Green Leader AlbumSonny Rollins' MusicSonny Rollins Quartet with John ColtraneOscar Pettiford's MusicHorace Silver and the Jazz MessengersGershwin's MusicMal Waldron's MusicWayne Shorter's MusicMontgomery BrothersMichel Petrucciani's MusicItalian Jazz MusiciansVictor Feldman's MusicKenny Burrell Leader AlbumKenny Dorham's MusicDuke Ellington's MusicErnie Watts Leader AlbumBlue Mitchell QuartetChick Corea Leader AlbumBill Mobley Leader AlbumKenny Burrell with Jimmy RaneyBarry Harris TrioJohn Coltrane Leader AlbumJimmy Van Heusen's MusicDexter Gordon Leader AlbumRon Carter's MusicKaper - Washington's MusicAhmad Jamal TrioJimmy McHugh's MusicThelonious Monk TrioElla Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong with Oscar Peterson Quartet