MUS 356 Songs Essays

"Acknowledgement" by John Coltrane

-Album: A Love Supreme (1965)

-Significance: Part of a four-movement suite that reflects Coltrane's spiritual awakening and devotion to God.

-Known for its iconic opening bass motif (played by Jimmy Garrison), which serves as a meditative foundation.

-Features a chant-like section where Coltrane repeats the phrase "A Love Supreme" on saxophone

-Blends modal jazz with spiritual themes

-Represents Coltrane's innovative use of modal improvisation and deep emotional expression

“Blues Connotation” - Ornette Coleman

TODO

"But Not for Me" by Esperanza Spalding & Fred Hersch

Context:

-A standard from the Great American Songbook (written by George and Ira Gershwin), reimagined by modern Jazz artists

-Esperanza Spalding: Bassist and vocalist known for blending jazz with contemporary styles

-Fred Hersch: Pianist with a lyrical and nuanced touch

-Their collaboration highlights the interplay of voice and piano, modernizing a classic jazz standard while respecting its roots

"Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock & Headhunters

-Album: Head Hunters (1973)

-Significance: A cornerstone of jazz-funk fusion, combining funky grooves with jazz improvisation

-Features Herbie Hancock's innovative use of synthesizers and electric piano (Fender Rhodes).

-The repetitive bassline, played by Paul Jackson, creates a hypnotic groove, while Hancock's keyboard solos explore new sonic textures

-Reflects the era's move toward more accessible, danceable jazz

“Desafinado” - Stan Getz/Joao Gilberto

TODO

E.S.P. by Miles Davis

-Album: E.S.P. (1965)

-Significance: Marks the beginning of Miles Davis' second great quintet, featuring Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams

-Known for its complex harmonies and interactive improvisation

-Reflects the quintet's concept of "controlled freedom," where traditional structures are stretched to allow more fluid interplay

-Composed by Wayne Shorter

-The cover of the record features a photo of Miles Davis and his then wife, Frances Taylor, whom left him the same day the photo was taken

"Lawns" by Carla Bley

Context:

-Carla Bley is a composer and pianist known for her eclectic and Avant-Garde compositions

-"Lawns" is a delicate, minimalist piece showcasing her lyrical piano playing

-Blends elements of jazz and classical music, emphasizing mood and atmosphere

"Light as a Feather" by Chick Corea & Return to Forever

-Album: Light as a Feather (1973)

-Significance: A key work in Jazz Fusion

-Blends Latin rhythms, jazz harmonies, and electric instrumentation

-Features Chick Corea on electric piano and Brazilian vocalist Flora Purim

-The title track exemplifies Corea's interest in merging jazz with world music influences, particularly Brazilian samba

"Long as You Know You're Living Yours" by Keith Jarrett

-Album: The Köln Concert (1975)

-Significance: A solo piano improvisation that blends jazz, classical, and folk influences

-Highlights Jarrett's lyrical and spontaneous approach to improvisation

-Known for its emotive, meditative quality, showcasing the power of unaccompanied performance

"Manteca" by Dizzy Gillespie

Context:

-One of the first Afro-Cuban jazz pieces, co-written by Dizzy Gillespie and Cuban percussionist Chano Pozo

-Combines bebop harmonies with Cuban rhythms (e.g., clave)

-Features a memorable bassline and call-and-response vocals

-Played a crucial role in introducing Latin elements to jazz

"Papagaio Alegre" by Hermeto Pascoal

Context:

-Hermeto Pascoal is a Brazilian multi-instrumentalist known for his use of natural sounds and unconventional instruments

-"Papagaio Alegre" incorporates Brazilian folk rhythms and playful melodies, reflecting Pascoal's experimental approach

-Blends jazz improvisation with traditional Brazilian music.

"Ponta de Areia" by Wayne Shorter & Milton Nascimento

-Album: Native Dancer (1974)

-Significance: A collaboration between saxophonist Wayne Shorter and Brazilian singer-songwriter Milton Nascimento

-Combines Brazilian folk melodies with Shorter's lyrical saxophone playing

-Reflects the cross-cultural exchange between jazz and Brazilian music in the 1970s

"The Pearls" by Wynton Marsalis

Context:

-A tribute to early jazz styles, particularly the New Orleans tradition

-Wynton Marsalis, a leading figure in the neoclassical jazz movement, emphasizes historical authenticity and respect for jazz roots

-Reflects Marsalis' commitment to preserving and revitalizing traditional jazz

"Teen Town" by Weather Report

-Album: Heavy Weather (1977)

-Significance: Composed by bassist Jaco Pastorius, who redefined the role of the electric bass in jazz

-Features intricate basslines, tight grooves, and complex rhythms

-Showcases Weather Report's unique blend of jazz fusion, funk, and rock