Jazz History Exam II (Styles and Concepts)

What is the main characteristic of swing music

is defined by its rhythmic feel, often emphasizing the off-beat or "upbeat," creating a "swinging" sensation.

What is "boogie-woogie" in jazz music?

is a piano-based style that features a repeating bass pattern, typically in a 12-bar blues format, and is often associated with the swing era.

What is a jam session in jazz?

an informal gathering of musicians who play together and improvise, often leading to new musical ideas and collaboration.

 What is a "cutting contest" in jazz?

a musical battle between musicians or bands, where the goal is to "outplay" each other and demonstrate musical skill.

 What is the significance of "Le Jazz Hot" in jazz history?

the European embrace of jazz, especially in France, where it became a symbol of modernity and artistic expression in the 1930s. It was published by Panassie

 What is bebop, and how does it differ from swing?

a fast, complex style of jazz that emphasizes improvisation and intricate harmonies. It differs from swing in that it is less focused on danceable rhythms and more on artistic expression.

What was Minton’s Playhouse, and why is it significant to the development of bebop?

Minton’s Playhouse was a nightclub in Harlem, New York, where many of the key figures in the bebop movement, like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk, would jam and experiment with new ideas. It became a central venue for the development of bebop, a complex and fast-paced style of jazz that emerged in the 1940s.

What is "cool jazz," and how does it differ from bebop?

a more relaxed, smooth, and laid-back style compared to bebop. While bebop is fast and complex, cool jazz features softer dynamics, more controlled improvisation, and smoother arrangements.

What is "Birth of the Cool," and why is it important in jazz history?

an album recorded by Miles Davis in 1949, marking the beginning of the cool jazz movement. It featured a nonet with innovative arrangements and instrumental voicings that were distinct from bebop, helping to pave the way for a new, more relaxed approach to jazz that would influence the 1950s and beyond.

What is hard bop, and how does it differ from bebop?

It is a more intense, soulful, and blues-based evolution of bebop. Hard bop incorporates elements of rhythm and blues, gospel, and soul, while bebop focuses more on fast, complex improvisation.

Who are key figures in hard bop

Art Blakey (and the Jazz Messengers), Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, and Wes Montgomery