Chapter 34 Postwar Jazz Bebop Emerged shortly after

Chapter 34: Postwar Jazz

Bebop • • • Emerged shortly after World War II Complex, hard-driving jazz Played without musical notation Name derived from the snappy sounds of the melody Bebop ensemble typically consists of a quintet of trumpet, saxophone, piano, double bass, and drums Improvisation instead of composition “Jammed” in small, elite groups Charlie Parker (1920 -1955) Dizzy Gillespie (1917 -1993)

Charlie “Bird” Parker (1920 -1955) • Perhaps the most gifted bebop artist • A tragic figure: a drug addicted, alcoholic, antisocial man whose skills as an improviser and performer were at the highest level • Standard: A tune so influential that it inspires other musicians to record their own interpretations of it • Cover: A new version of a standard • “Salt Peanuts” – Standard created by Parker and Gillespie – Frenetic pace, complex melodic lines, and focus on improvisation

Cool Jazz • Style emerged in the 1950’s • Softer, relaxed, and less frenzied than bebop • Emphasis on lyricism, lower instrumental registers, moderate tempos, and quieter dynamic levels • Gerry Mulligan (1927) and Dave Brubeck (b. 1920) • Miles Davis (1926 -1991) – Album Birth of the Cool • Group of 9 players • Tuba and French horn added • “Jeru”

Fusion and Beyond • Fusion: Jazz-rock style – 1960’s: Miles Davis released two albums that incorporated rock elements • Current Jazz performers: – Singer-pianist Diana Krall – Trumpeter Chris Botti – Saxophonist Boney James – Trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis

Wynton Marsalis (b. 1961): Spokesperson for Jazz Today • New Orleans native • From family of jazz musicians: – Father pianist Ellis Marsalis – Brother saxophonist Branford Marsalis • Studied classical repertoire at Juilliard School • Only person to win Grammys for classical and jazz performance • Known as spokesperson of jazz today • Jazz oratorio Blood in the Fields won the 1997 Pulitzer Prize • Since 2006: Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center (NY)

Review: • Compare and contrast the various jazz styles after World War II, giving specific musical examples in addition to descriptions of styles.