MEP Jazz Music Recap

What are the Characteristics of Traditional Jazz

1. Use of collective improvisation in all frontline instruments
2. Small group of 5-8 performers consisting of trumpet/cornet, clarinet, trombone, saxophone (uncommon) as frontline instruments, and drums, banjo/guitar, piano, plucked bass/tuba as rhythm section

What are the Characteristics of Swing Music (Big Band Jazz)

1. Large group of musicians, usually with 4 groups of instruments (saxophones, trumpets, trombones and rhythm section)
2. Music is more composed and arranged (notated) with little improvisation.
3. Melody are performed by entire sections, either in unison or in harmony

What are the characteristics of Cool Jazz

1. Relaxed feel with less frenzied solos
2. Understated emotional intensity with use of softer tones (lighter and more controlled), long, slow-sounding notes, more space in music
3. Use of counterpoint
4. Prominent use of countermelodies
5. Restrained dynamics

What are the characteristics of Bebop

1. Small group of instruments (jazz combo)
2. Extremely fast beat/tempo
3. Intricate (longer) melodies and complex, sophisticated harmonies (unusual chord progression)
4. Emphasis back on improvisation, with thinner textures and focus given to virtuosic solo improvisations with rhythm section accompaniment