Introduction to Jazz

Introduction to JazzAoS2 Shared Music

Intended OutcomesTo begin to understand some of the history and context of Jazz Music, including instruments and musical features.

What do I already know about JAZZ?

ListeningListen to Basin Street Blues performed by Louis Armstrong and answer the questions:

Name at least 3 instruments you can hear.Name at least 2 different instruments that perform an improvised solo.Choose an adjective to describe this word. Give a musical reason why you have chosen that word. Where might you expect to hear this played?

ListeningName at least 3 instruments you can hear. Double bass, drums, clarinet, trombone, trumpet, voiceName at least 2 different instruments that perform an improvised solo. Drums, clarinet, double bass. Choose an adjective to describe this word. Give a musical reason why you have chosen that word. Where might you expect to hear this played? Actuallyit was probably only performed in brothels and barsblack people were not allowed to use the same places at white people.

History of JazzMake notes as we go over some important information.

Jazz was developed in the USA in the early 20th centuryFusion of African and European traditions after the abolition of slaveryThe earliest jazz is Dixieland which began in New Orleans

History of JazzMake notes as we go over some important information. In 1920, it spread to Chicago. At this time, alcohol was banned, and jazz was often played in illegal bars it got a bad reputation.In the 1930s and 40s, swing music became popular for dancing.In the 1940s, bebop developed from swing this had lots of improvisation, complex harmony, syncopated and complex rhythmsSince then, many different types of jazz have evolved.

DixielandLouis Armstrongs Basin Street Blues is a good example of Dixieland Jazz. Came from New OrleansMix of brass band marches, ragtime and bluesPerformed in brothels and bars due to prohibitionMelody is shared between many instruments Polyphonic different parts moving at different timesThere is contrast between the melody and the rhythm section

FrontlineCan you name these instruments? Try in a pair!

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FrontlineTypically, a frontline would include a trumpet, trombone and a clarinet. Later, saxophones were added.

They play the melody

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Rhythm SectionCan you name THESE instruments?

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Rhythm SectionTypically, a rhythm section would include a piano, guitar, drums and double bass.

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The BluesEarly jazz was based on the 12 Bar Blues.

Bar 1Bar 2Bar 3Bar 4Chord 1Chord 1

Chord 1

Chord 1

Bar 5Bar 6Bar 7Bar 8Chord 4Chord 4Chord 1

Chord 1

Bar 9Bar 10Bar 11Bar 12Chord 5Chord 4Chord 1Chord 1

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The BluesHave a go at this! To stretch yourself put it into a different key and work out the chords.

Bar 1Bar 2Bar 3Bar 4CC

C

C

Bar 5Bar 6Bar 7Bar 8FFC

C

Bar 9Bar 10Bar 11Bar 12GFCC

Extension: Improvise! The Blues Scale of C uses the notes of: C Eb F Gb G Bb C improvise over the chords!

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