Jazz is a wildly syncretic music, blending musical traditions from a large geographical and cultural range. I think this explains its power open doorways of participation between disparate cultures (a power shared today by hip hop). The music of Mulatu Astatke, called the father of Ethio Jazz, is both accessible to American audiences and distinct from […]

Here is a video I have watched several times recently of Oscar Peterson, one of the most prominent jazz piano figures of the mid-late 20th century, giving an interview about his influences. I thought it was really insightful to hear Peterson himself deconstruct his style, as well as talk about about the style of others while providing examples […]

http://youtu.be/ie-wtJ1BUxE?t=16m12s Robert Glasper is in my opinion one of the greatest jazz artists of our generation. Over the past ten years he has introduced jazz to new listeners by infusing it with hip-hop, rock, and neo-soul. “Gonna Be Alright” demonstrates Robert Glasper’s versatility and ability to expand upon your typical jazz trio.

  Here’s an awesome video of one of my favorite current jazz performers. We don’t talk much about the vocal aspects, but Esperanza Spalding really shows how appealing and effective the voice can be in jazz just as well as instrumentals. She’s always pinpoint accurate, even in different runs or in her phenomenal higher range. […]

If you like the vibe of “Venus Di Mildew”, check out “Far Away Lands.” This album really focuses on swing and motivic development. You can hear the use of various bebop scales, pentatonics, blues, etc. Note the use of call and response and overall ensemble interaction. http://youtu.be/8XM87o2bt-U  

As discussed in class, check out this recording of “Venus Di Mildew” as played by Hank Mobley. Note the song was actually written by Wayne Shorter. http://youtu.be/q_9-9a41Pns Personnel Hank Mobley — tenor saxophone Curtis Fuller — trombone Lee Morgan — trumpet McCoy Tyner — piano Bob Cranshaw — bass Billy Higgins — drums

Posted by Logan Miller Here is a video of Snarky Puppy performing “Lingus” in one take. I’m sure some of you have seen this, but if not, this is a band of students and graduates from the University of North Texas – Denton. I thought this video had lots of interesting elements, in terms of […]

http://youtu.be/MGbLRaaqrCc Here is a video of Thelonious Monk playing piano in Berlin. Though he is at first playing alone, he does not lack the energy or creativity of a full jazz ensemble. The many “wrong” notes he incorporates into the pieces provide the ear tonal surprises, thus creating a vibrant musical atmosphere. Also, watching Monk […]

http://youtu.be/yD3iaURppQw Here’s a video of Harry Connick and the band play Come By Me. Listen for the 5/4 bar in his solo to offset the audience’s 1/3 clap accent to the more appropriate 2/4! Also watch the drummer in the back at around 0:43!  

Analyzing I’m Old Fashioned by Mercer and Kern is a great starting point for understanding how composers can make modifications to fundamental chord progression to yield interesting results. system one consists of four chords commonly referred to as a I-vi-ii-V turnaround. Cyclic by nature, it creates a roundabout cadence that temporarily works its way through the […]