exam Flashcards
(64 cards)
What are the formal characteristics of swing?
Based on Tin Pan Alley and blues, typically a bass choir, based on call-and-response techniques.
The era provided professional success for young black musicians and set high standards in musicianship.
Name key artists associated with the swing era.
- Billie Holiday (1915–1959)
- Teddy Wilson (1912–1986)
- Coleman Hawkins (1904–1969)
- Roy Eldridge (1911–1989)
- Lester Young (1909–1959)
Each artist significantly contributed to the development of jazz during the swing era.
What is the historical significance of rural blues?
Rural blues is a folk tradition from first-generation blacks post-abolition, preceding vaudeville blues.
It reflects the social realities and experiences of African Americans in the early 20th century.
What distinguishes vaudeville blues from rural blues?
Vaudeville blues emerged in the early 1900s, synthesizing rural blues with tin pan alley practices, such as standardized forms and fixed authorship.
It involved professional musicians on the Toba circuit.
Identify some formal characteristics of blues.
- Sung by women
- Use of blue notes
- 12-bar form
- AAB lyrical structure
- Call and response between vocals and instrumental fills
These elements contribute to the unique sound and structure of blues music.
What are key stylistic innovations introduced by Miles Davis?
Focused more on melodic feel rather than technique.
Contributed to cool jazz, hard bop, free jazz, and fusion, marking key stylistic innovations in jazz.
What is the defining characteristic of stride piano?
Stride piano is defined by the left-hand motion that alternates a bass note with a mid-range chord, creating a two-beat, ragtime-derived feel.
This style emerged in Harlem and is known for its improvisational nature.
How does bebop relate to swing?
Bebop emerged as a reaction to the commercialization of swing amid social and economic tensions and features small combos with complex solos.
It marked a shift from the larger swing bands to more intimate settings.
List key artists in the bebop movement.
- Dizzy Gillespie (1917–1993)
- Charlie Parker (1920–1955)
- Bud Powell (1924–1966)
- Thelonious Monk (1917–1982)
These artists were instrumental in defining the bebop style and pushing jazz forward.
What is a characteristic of bebop melodies?
Bebop melodies are angular and dissonant, featuring extensive use of contrafacts and heightened harmonic dissonance.
This complexity distinguishes bebop from earlier jazz styles.
Fill in the blank: The left-hand motion in stride piano alternates a bass note with a _______.
[mid-range chord]
True or False: Vaudeville blues was characterized by its informal, traditional performance style.
False
Vaudeville blues was more formalized, involving professional musicians and standardized practices.
What is the significance of the Fordist economy to the development of blues?
The Fordist economy supported a new urban working class, creating new markets through race records and radio.
This economic environment allowed blues to reach a wider audience.
What impact did the swing era have on black musicians?
It raised the status of young black musicians, providing professional success and setting high standards in musicianship.
This era was pivotal in improving the visibility and recognition of black artists.
Identify a significant recording associated with early jazz.
‘Dippermouth Blues’ by Joe Oliver
This recording is an important example of early jazz and showcases the style of the time.
What is the role of improvisation in stride piano?
Stride pianists are more improvisational than earlier ragtime performers, using a more active right hand.
This allows for greater expression and creativity in their performances.
What are the commonalities between rural blues and vaudeville blues?
Both forms address real-life issues and share a focus on narrative storytelling through music.
They reflect the experiences and struggles of African Americans.
Fill in the blank: Bebop is characterized by _______ and harmonic complexity.
[rhythmic]
What was a key event in Miles Davis’ career in 1949?
Formation of the Miles Davis nonet, a foundational statement for cool jazz.
This group was noted for its understated dynamics and classical influence.
What is a distinguishing feature of hard bop?
Hard bop incorporates blues and gospel influences in its style.
This genre emerged as a response to the cool jazz movement.
True or False: Thelonious Monk was a self-taught musician.
True
Monk’s unique approach to harmony and improvisation was developed independently.
What is the significance of ‘Strange Fruit’ performed by Billie Holiday?
‘Strange Fruit’ addresses serious social issues such as racism and violence.
It is recognized as a poignant protest song in American music history.
What were some Kansas City innovations to swing?
Introduced a more flowing sound of “groove” into big band swing, and there was also less influence via Tin Pan Alley and more use of blues “riffs.”
What genre is ‘Dippermouth Blues’ associated with?
Early jazz
Performed by Joe Oliver
