Music - Jazz History

Scott Joplin

Ragtime jazz, Maple Leaf Rag and Solace. For solo piano, heavy use of syncopation, striding left hand

Duke Ellington

Big band jazz, Take the A Train and In a Sentimental Mood. Complex harmonies, shout choruses and improvised solos, for big bands

Charlie Parker

Bebop, Au Privave and Confirmation. Athletic, upbeat and sporty, smaller band (4-6), lots of improvisation

Miles Davis

Modal jazz, So What and All Blues. Simple harmony, small band, clear tonal centre and explores them over many bars

John Coltrane

Pushing boundaries, Giant Steps and A Love Supreme - Acknowledgement. unclear tonal centre (long improv based on tension), free jazz begins, pushing harmonies to the limit