Jazz Flashcards
(14 cards)
What musical cultures are blended in early jazz?
West African, American, and European
Early jazz incorporates diverse influences, contributing to its unique sound.
What instruments are included in the jazz band rhythm section? List them.
- Bass
- Drums
- Piano
- Guitar
The rhythm section provides the foundational beat and harmony in jazz music.
What are the main solo instruments in jazz? List 5 of the 7.
- Trumpet
- Saxophone
- Trombone
- Clarinet
- Piano
These instruments are often featured in jazz solos, showcasing individual expression and creativity.
At the heart of jazz is _______.
improvisation
Improvisation is the practice of creating melodies spontaneously during performance.
What are two distinctive features of jazz?
Improvization and syncopation
These elements contribute to the unique sound and style of jazz music.
What is ragtime?
A style of composed piano music that flourished from the 1890s to about 1915
Ragtime is characterized by its syncopated rhythms and was popularized by composers like Scott Joplin.
Who was known as the ‘King of Ragtime’?
Scott Joplin
Joplin was a prominent figure in the ragtime music movement.
What is The Blues?
A twelve-bar form of music that grew out of African-American folk music and is the basis for many jazz songs
The Blues has influenced various music genres, including jazz and rock.
What is Dixieland music?
Music performed by small bands that originated in New Orleans
Dixieland music features a combination of brass instruments and emphasizes improvisation.
Who was one of the most revered Dixieland performers?
Louis Armstrong
Armstrong was known for his improvised trumpet solos and scat singing.
Name three composers/performers of Big Band Swing music.
Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman
These musicians were influential in the development and popularity of Big Band Swing.
What was Bebop?
Bebop was the style of music that was formed in rebellion to over commercialized swing music of the 1930’s and 1940’s.
Bebop introduced complex melodies and rhythms, marking a significant shift in jazz music.
What is Cool Jazz?
Cool Jazz was the style of music that was developed in response to the overly complex bebop movement or ‘hot jazz’.
Cool Jazz features a more relaxed tempo and lighter tone compared to bebop.
Who was Trumpeter Miles Davis?
Miles Davis was one of the leaders who would lead popular music through many phases including bebop, cool jazz, and rock jazz (fusion).
Davis is known for his innovative contributions to jazz and his ability to evolve with changing musical styles.
