Avant-Garde Jazz
Characteristics of Avant-Garde
• Literal Meaning – (Fr.) “advanced guard” or “vanguard.”
• Refers to individuals who are “ahead of their time.”
• Art that is experimental or innovative.
TRANSITIONS
• Miles Davis Quintet– LISTENING EXCERPT: CD TWO TRACK 9
• John Coltrane– LISTENING EXCERPT: CD TWO, TRACK 6– LISTENING EXCERPT: CD TWO, TRACK 7
Definitions of Import• Atonality
– Term borrowed from Classical music genre of which Arnold Schoenberg was a pioneer.
– Lacking a tonal center or tonality.– Often associated with 12-tone serialism.
• Dissonance– Harsh combination of tones, discord.
• Modal Jazz– Extensive repetition of one or two chords
(Impressions).• World Music
– Based on regional, cultural norms and/or values.– Listening Example: Javanese Gamelan Orchestra
Ornette Coleman (b. 1930 - )• Alto Saxophonist• Performed in style of “Free Jazz”• His Trio consisted of saxophone, bass and
drums.
LISTENING EXCERPT: CD TWO, TRACK 5
Cecil Taylor (b. 1929 - )• Pianist/Composer/Bandleader• Often avoids playing with modern jazz swing
feel.• Emphasizes complex musical textures.• Music is often frenetic with few calm moments
(Listening Example).
Bill Evans (1929 – 1980)• Pianist/Composer• His harmonization's were
based on FrenchImpressionist composers.– Maurice Ravel & Claude
Debussy• Played in a rhythmic style
known as “floating pulse.”– Displaced phrases and
rhythms.
LISTENING EXCERPT: CD TWO, TRACK 8.
Astor Piazzolla (1921 – 1992)• Argentine composer.
– Tango Nuevo• Played the bandoneón.
– Large accordion w/buttons instead of keys.
• Family moved to NYC, returned to home in 1937.