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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Hank Jones Leader AlbumHorace Silver and the Jazz MessengersKenny Barron Leader AlbumThe Ron Carter NonetTom Jobim at the PianoJoshua Redman Leader AlbumMichel Legrand's MusicThelonious Monk Leader AlbumPaul Chambers QuartetThe Great Jazz TrioJohn Coltrane QuartetMajor Holley QuintetThe Poll WinnersDuke Ellington's MusicCedar Walton Leader AlbumA.C. Jobim's MusicJohn Coltrane Leader AlbumKind of BlueCharles Mingus' MusicClifford Brown SextetThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Ben WebsterKenny Barron with Dave HollandRay Noble's MusicJohn Coltrane with Tadd DameronSonny Rollins in EuropeKenny Burrel's MusicJackie McLean Leader AlbumCharlie Haden's Quartet WestSwedish JazzRay Brown TrioThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Louis ArmstrongCharlie Haden's MusicDave Holland's MusicWynton Kelly Leader AlbumBobby Timmons TrioTommy Flanagan with Red MitchellThe Duke Ellington OrchestraWynton Kelly TrioJim Hall with Ron CarterKenny Dorham QuartetJuan Tizol's MusicDado Moroni with Tom HarrellPat Metheny Acoustic DuoWarren Wolf with Christian McBrideCannonball Adderley Leader AlbumSonny Stitt Leader AlbumOscar Pettiford Leader AlbumCharlie Parker Leader AlbumKenny Barron with Charlie HadenToots Thielemans's MusicUmbria JazzMiles Davis All-Star SextetLee Morgan's MusicThe Modern Jazz QuartetBarga JazzSam Rivers' MusicColtrane ChangesPat Metheny with Jim HallWayne Shorte Leader AlbumBill Evans' MusicKaper - Washington's MusicThelonious Monk's MusicRed Garland TrioMel Lewis SextetMcCoy Tyner's MusicAllan Holdsworth Leader AlbumLou Donaldson QuintetHank Jones' MusicDizzy Gillespie SextetThe London House SessionsBenny Goodman SextetNina Simone at the PianoSonny Clark's MusicFreddie Hubbard Leader AlbumDuke Ellington at the PianoGrant Green's MusicKenny Dorham's MusicBobby Timmons' MusicTraditional Irish MelodyPaul Chambers' MusicHampton Hawes' MusicJohn Lewis' MusicMilt Jackson QuartetShorty Rogers and his giantsButch Warren's MusicWes Montgomery's MusicWes Montgomery Leader AlbumRay Brown Trio with Ulf WakeniusNina Simone Leader AlbumMiles Davis' MusicLee Kontiz Leader AlbumOrnette Coleman Leader AlbumBrad Mehldau TrioRay Brown with Pierre BoussaguetOliver Nelson's MusicFats Waller's MusicNewportErnie Watts Leader AlbumGerry Mulligan's MusicClifford Brown and Max RoachThe Horace Silver QuintetItalian Jazz MusiciansHenry Mancini's MusicBill Evans TrioGerry Mulligan with Johnny HodgesFrank Sinatra SingsRoy Haynes Leader AlbumHank Mobley's MusicSonny Rollins' MusicThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Ralph MooreJackie McLean's MusicThe Dave Brubeck QuartetErroll Garner at the PianoJoe Pass with NHØ PedersenBarry Harris TrioTadd Dameron Leader AlbumMilt Jackson Leader AlbumNancy Wilson's VoiceSonny Clark TrioKenny Wheeler's MusicBenny Goodman And His OrchestraDexter Gordon's MusicMingus Big BandStan Getz & João GilbertoBurt Bacharach's MusicCharlie Parker's ReboppersBilly Strayhorn's MusicCannonball Adderley's MusicHank Jones with Christian McBrideMcCoy Tyner at the PianoVillage VanguardMiles Davis QuintetJoe Henderson's MusicPaul Chambers QuintetStan Getz Leader AlbumJohn Coltrane Quartet with Johnny HartmanDave Holland SextetJerome Kern's MusicEsperanza Spalding's MusicHorace Silver's MusicAhmad Jamal TrioKeith Jarrett with Charlie HadenSonny Clark Leader AlbumJazz ContrafactSteve Swallow's MusicRay Brown Leader AlbumBennie Moten's MusicKenny Burrell with Jimmy RaneyTadd Dameron's MusicEric Dolphy's MusicJazz with String OrchestraPaul Desmond Leader AlbumGeorges Arvanitas TrioCharles Mingus Leader AlbumMiles Davis' First Great Quintet with Cannonball AdderleyVictor Feldman's MusicThe Charles Mingus Quintet & Max RoachLiberation Music OrchestraBill Evans Leader AlbumDizzy Gillespie's MusicChet Baker Sings and PlaysKenny Barron at the PianoLou Donaldson Leader AlbumThe Blanton–Webster BandJimmy Rowles with Ray BrownFrank Loesser's MusicOscar Peterson Leader AlbumBill Mobley Leader AlbumBob Dylan's MusicClifford Brown's MusicRon Carter TrioJimmy Heath's MusicMonk in TokyoChick Corea Elektric BandHerbie Hancock's MusicThad Jones' MusicLucky Thompson Leader AlbumDexter Gordon Leader AlbumDiana Krall Leader AlbumJimmy Van Heusen's MusicEllington - Gershwin's MusicRodgers - Hammerstein's MusicThe Ornette Coleman QuartetEric Dolphy Leader AlbumMiles Davis' First Great QuintetHammerstein - Kern's MusicEsperanza Spalding Leader AlbumPat Moran TrioOscar Pettiford's MusicBill Evans with Eddie GomezWarne Marsh Leader AlbumJohnny Griffin Leader AlbumFreddie Hubbard's MusicRichard Rodgers' MusicGeorge Shearing's MusicPat Metheny with Larry GrenadierWilbur Ware QuintetEsbjörn Svensson TrioMiles Davis' Second Great QuintetAhmad Jamal's MusicTadd Dameron SextetCole Porter's MusicJoe Henderson Leader AlbumGerry Mulligan with Thelonious MonkPaul Chambers SextetMichel Petrucciani's MusicHerbie Hancock QuartetThe Oscar Peterson Trio with Clark TerryRay Brown Trio with Ralph MooreDave Holland QuintetJimmy McHugh's MusicChristian McBride TrioPaul Chambers Leader AlbumHank Jones at the PianoBlue Mitchell Leader AlbumCannonball Adderley with the Poll WinnersBobby Timmons Leader AlbumChick Corea's MusicRay Brown's MusicTony Williams' MusicCharles Mingus TrioBen Webster with Harry Sweets EdisonJohn Coltrane with Thelonious MonkGrant Green Leader AlbumTeo Macero's ProductionSonny Rollins Leader AlbumMonk in ParisDexter Gordon QuartetCedar Walton's MusicHorace Parlan Leader AlbumRadiohead's MusicTommy Flanagan TrioSam Jones' MusicGershwin's MusicOrnette Coleman's MusicArt Blakey & The Jazz MessengersPat Metheny Leader AlbumChick Corea Leader AlbumHorace Silver Trio with Art BlakeyMarsalis - Lee's MusicCharlie Parker's MusicColeman Hawkins Swing FourMontgomery BrothersBill Evans Trio with Stan GetzHampton Hawes Leader AlbumSchwartz - Dietz's MusicGil Evans' arrangementKeith Jarrett TrioSheila Jordan's VoiceWarren Bernhardt TrioStan Getz and The Oscar Peterson TrioJoe Henderson TrioThelonious Monk QuartetThelonious Monk TrioChet Baker SingsBill Evans QuintetHoagy Carmichael's MusicThe Don Byas - Slam Stewart DuoKeith Jarrett Acoustic DuoPat Metheny's MusicBirth of the CoolCannonball Adderley QuintetMiles Davis Leader AlbumCedar Walton at the PianoBud Powell TrioDon Byas QuartetHank Jones with Charlie HadenVictor Young's MusicJ. R. Monterose Leader AlbumBenny Golson's MusicQuincy Jones' ArrangementRed Garland Trio with John ColtraneLee Morgan Leader AlbumJoe Henderson QuartetKenny Wheeler Leader AlbumPorgy and BessHerbie Hancock Leader AlbumBill Stewart Leader AlbumThe Count Basie OrchestraChet Baker PlaysWayne Shorter's MusicKenny Burrell Leader AlbumBlue Mitchell QuartetOscar Peterson's MusicDave Holland Big BandTwo Double BassesLennon - McCartney's MusicJohnny Hartman Leader AlbumRodgers - Hart's MusicSonny Rollins TrioPat Metheny with Charlie HadenSam Jones Leader AlbumEnrico Pieranunzi at the PianoMiles Davis QuartetMilt Jackson's MusicChicago JazzVernon Duke's MusicVictor Feldman TrioDave Brubeck's MusicRed Garland Trio with Art PepperBooker Little Leader AlbumBud Powell's MusicHouston Person with Ron CarterBrad Mehldau's MusicOliver Nelson Leader AlbumMiles Davis SextetJay Jay Johnson Leader AlbumRed Garland's MusicMiles Davis Quintet with John ColtraneSonny Rollins Quartet with John ColtraneSonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz QuartetCal Tjader SextetWynton Kelly's MusicMcCoy Tyner TrioMilt Jackson and Wes MontgomeryMal Waldron's MusicChet Baker in ItalyLouis Armstrong & His All-StarsRudy Van GelderRon Carter's MusicIrving Berlin's MusicGerry Mulligan QuartetHank Mobley Leader AlbumElla Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong with Oscar Peterson QuartetThe Oscar Peterson TrioJohn Coltrane's Music