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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Tommy Flanagan TrioErnie Watts Leader AlbumRay Brown's MusicDexter Gordon's MusicSonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz QuartetMiles Davis QuintetBob Dylan's MusicBill Evans with Eddie GomezPat Metheny Leader AlbumKenny Barron Leader AlbumJoe Henderson QuartetWes Montgomery's MusicJohn Coltrane Quartet with Johnny HartmanBill Evans Trio with Stan GetzWynton Kelly Leader AlbumColeman Hawkins Swing FourElla Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong with Oscar Peterson QuartetWarren Bernhardt TrioBill Mobley Leader AlbumIrving Berlin's MusicRay Brown Trio with Ralph MooreSonny Clark Leader AlbumJackie McLean's MusicStan Getz & João GilbertoBill Stewart Leader AlbumShorty Rogers and his giantsBenny Goodman SextetVernon Duke's MusicWayne Shorte Leader AlbumClifford Brown SextetQuincy Jones and his OrchestraSwedish JazzRay Noble's MusicThelonious Monk Leader AlbumRay Brown TrioCedar Walton at the PianoMcCoy Tyner's MusicMontgomery BrothersCole Porter's MusicChet Baker in ItalyGrant Green's MusicSteve Swallow's MusicMichel Petrucciani's MusicThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Louis ArmstrongMonk in TokyoRudy Van GelderMiles Davis' MusicChristian McBride TrioHammerstein - Kern's MusicTraditional Irish MelodyDave Holland's MusicRadiohead's MusicDizzy Gillespie SextetCharles Mingus TrioVictor Feldman TrioHank Mobley Leader AlbumPat Metheny Acoustic DuoDonald Byrd Leader AlbumChick Corea Leader AlbumOscar Pettiford's MusicTom Jobim at the PianoGershwin's MusicWes Montgomery Leader AlbumKenny Burrel's MusicHoagy Carmichael's MusicPaul Chambers SextetMingus Big BandThe Don Byas - Slam Stewart DuoThelonious Monk's MusicCarla Bley Leader AlbumJunior Mance TrioGrant Green Leader AlbumBennie Moten's MusicBill Evans TrioThe Blanton–Webster BandThe Oscar Peterson TrioAhmad Jamal's MusicEsperanza Spalding's MusicStan Getz and The Oscar Peterson TrioDuke Ellington at the PianoPat Metheny with Charlie HadenJoe Henderson TrioPorgy and BessThelonious Monk QuartetChet Baker Sings and PlaysMajor Holley QuintetEsbjörn Svensson TrioJohn Coltrane Leader AlbumRed Garland TrioTeddy Wilson Leader AlbumDave Brubeck's MusicBlue Mitchell Leader AlbumThe Count Basie OrchestraSonny Clark's MusicBobby Timmons' MusicOscar Pettiford Leader AlbumCannonball Adderley with the Poll WinnersLee Morgan Leader AlbumKind of BlueSonny Rollins' MusicWayne Shorter's MusicFats Waller's MusicKenny Dorham QuartetEsperanza Spalding Leader AlbumMiles Davis Leader AlbumTadd Dameron Leader AlbumHerbie Hancock QuartetJoe Henderson Leader AlbumPaul Desmond Leader AlbumMarsalis - Lee's MusicGerry Mulligan with Johnny HodgesJimmy Rowles with Ray BrownFreddie Hubbard Leader AlbumPat Moran TrioGerry Mulligan's MusicJimmy McHugh's MusicDexter Gordon Leader AlbumOscar Peterson's MusicHerbie Hancock's MusicRed Garland Trio with Art PepperMel Lewis SextetJohn Coltrane QuartetToots Thielemans's MusicCharles McPherson Leader AlbumHouston Person with Ron CarterRay Brown with Pierre BoussaguetWilbur Ware QuintetJay Jay Johnson Leader AlbumBlue Mitchell QuartetDave Holland QuintetBilly Strayhorn's MusicRodgers - Hart's MusicPat Metheny's MusicBobby Timmons Leader AlbumDave Holland SextetRon Carter TrioCannonball Adderley Leader AlbumMilt Jackson's MusicBill Evans Leader AlbumButch Warren's MusicMilt Jackson and The Oscar Peterson TrioThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Ben WebsterMiles Davis' Second Great QuintetMonk in ParisMiles Davis SextetLee Morgan's MusicEllington - Gershwin's MusicCharles Mingus' MusicA.C. Jobim's MusicVictor Feldman's MusicHank Jones' MusicDado Moroni with Tom HarrellCannonball Adderley QuintetCharlie Parker Leader AlbumSheila Jordan's VoiceVillage VanguardAllan Holdsworth Leader AlbumLucky Thompson Leader AlbumNina Simone Leader AlbumOrnette Coleman Leader AlbumJimmy Heath's MusicDon Byas QuartetHorace Silver Trio with Art BlakeyPat Metheny GroupChick Corea Elektric BandMiles Davis Quintet with John ColtraneJazz ContrafactNina Simone at the PianoSam Rivers' MusicThe Ornette Coleman QuartetJohn Scofield Leader AlbumJohn Coltrane with Thelonious MonkThe London House SessionsLouis Armstrong & His All-StarsKenny Burrell Leader AlbumPat Metheny with Jim HallWynton Kelly's MusicMcCoy Tyner Leader AlbumOscar Peterson Leader AlbumVictor Young's MusicKenny Wheeler Leader AlbumHank Jones with Christian McBrideDiana Krall Leader AlbumOrnette Coleman's MusicRodgers - Hammerstein's MusicHank Jones with Charlie HadenSonny Stitt Leader AlbumMal Waldron's MusicThe Modern Jazz QuartetPaul Chambers Leader AlbumThe Dave Brubeck QuartetBenny Goodman And His OrchestraMilt Jackson QuartetBarry Harris TrioDexter Gordon QuartetLennon - McCartney's MusicCannonball Adderley's MusicTwo Double BassesHerbie Hancock Leader AlbumDonald Byrd's MusicArt Blakey & The Jazz MessengersMilt Jackson and Wes MontgomeryErroll Garner at the PianoSonny Clark TrioGeorge Shearing's MusicSonny Rollins Leader AlbumHorace Silver's MusicKaper - Washington's MusicSchwartz - Dietz's MusicJuan Tizol's MusicPaul Chambers QuartetNancy Wilson's VoiceBarga JazzHank Jones at the PianoPat Metheny with Larry GrenadierClifford Brown's MusicCarla Bley's MusicMichel Petrucciani Leader AlbumThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Clark TerryKeith Jarrett's MusicTommy Flanagan with Red MitchellThe Duke Ellington OrchestraCharlie Haden's Quartet WestStan Getz Leader AlbumTadd Dameron's MusicBenny Golson's MusicHank Jones Leader AlbumHampton Hawes' MusicUmbria JazzFreddie Hubbard's MusicCharlie Haden's MusicKenny Dorham's MusicKeith Jarrett TrioQuincy Jones' ArrangementNewportEric Dolphy's MusicRed Garland's MusicBobby Timmons TrioLiberation Music OrchestraHank Mobley's MusicEric Dolphy Leader AlbumChet Baker PlaysChet Baker SingsGil Evans' arrangementFrank Loesser's MusicKenny Barron with Dave HollandItalian Jazz MusiciansJazz with String OrchestraTadd Dameron SextetJohnny Hartman Leader AlbumWarren Wolf with Christian McBrideCharlie Parker's MusicBurt Bacharach's MusicEnrico Pieranunzi at the PianoColtrane ChangesHorace Parlan Leader AlbumBooker Little Leader AlbumBen Webster with Harry Sweets EdisonWynton Kelly TrioDave Holland Big BandJim Hall with Ron CarterMichel Legrand's MusicThelonious Monk TrioMiles Davis All-Star SextetJerome Kern's MusicJoe Henderson's MusicThe Ron Carter NonetOliver Nelson Leader AlbumRoy Haynes Leader AlbumCharles Mingus Leader AlbumKenny Burrell with Jimmy RaneyMilt Jackson Leader AlbumRed Garland Trio with John ColtraneHampton Hawes Leader AlbumDizzy Gillespie Big BandBud Powell TrioBrad Mehldau's MusicMiles Davis' First Great Quintet with Cannonball AdderleyJohn Scofield's MusicSam Jones' MusicLee Kontiz Leader AlbumGeorges Arvanitas TrioPaul Chambers' MusicRay Brown Trio with Ulf WakeniusHorace Silver and the Jazz MessengersBill Evans QuintetCharlie Parker's ReboppersWarne Marsh Leader AlbumKeith Jarrett European QuartetSam Jones Leader AlbumGerry Mulligan QuartetJackie McLean Leader AlbumMiles Davis QuartetJohn Coltrane with Tadd DameronChicago JazzMiles Davis' First Great QuintetJaco Pastorius Big BandBud Powell's MusicKenny Barron at the PianoJohn Lewis' MusicRay Brown Leader AlbumJoshua Redman Leader AlbumJ. R. Monterose Leader AlbumDizzy Gillespie's MusicThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Ralph MooreSonny Rollins Quartet with John ColtraneThe Charles Mingus Quintet & Max RoachLou Donaldson QuintetThe Poll WinnersThad Jones' MusicJohn Coltrane's MusicKeith Jarrett with Charlie HadenKenny Barron with Charlie HadenGerry Mulligan with Thelonious MonkAhmad Jamal TrioThe Horace Silver QuintetJohnny Griffin Leader AlbumDuke Ellington's MusicThe Jim Hall QuartetFrank Sinatra SingsSonny Rollins in EuropeChick Corea's MusicKenny Wheeler's MusicRon Carter's MusicBill Evans' MusicSonny Rollins TrioTony Williams' MusicCal Tjader SextetJoe Pass with NHØ PedersenHenry Mancini's MusicBrad Mehldau TrioCedar Walton's MusicMcCoy Tyner TrioBirth of the CoolRichard Rodgers' MusicJimmy Van Heusen's MusicPaul Chambers QuintetTeo Macero's ProductionLou Donaldson Leader AlbumOliver Nelson's MusicCedar Walton Leader AlbumKeith Jarrett Acoustic DuoClifford Brown and Max RoachThe Great Jazz TrioMcCoy Tyner at the Piano