An Entry Point To Jazz for Those Who Don’t Like It, But Want To!

Part 4 of 5

So as a developing sophisticated listener, musical elements such as vocal narrative, melody, and improvisation are becoming easier to consume. At this point, we bid o digba to the voice and gaze toward the instrument. The listener is ready to take on the workings of an ensemble. In this case, an ensemble is a group of musicians performing together to create a single song or piece of music.

A righteous ensemble featuring Joshua Redman.

As a listener with a flourishing sophisticated ear, this is the opportunity to sonically observe, or better yet enjoy, how musicians use their instruments to work through and communicate musical narratives, melodies, and improvisation. Here the listener will be able to appreciate the many musical instruments in an ensemble. Closely listen to the drummer, the bassist, the pianist, the saxophonist, the guitarist, and the trumpeter. This may take more than one listen, which is a good thing. Things to consider while listening: What instrument stands out to you? How does the instrument make you feel? How is the ensemble working together? Does it all fit together? What is your overall impression of the song and/or musicians? If you could rename the song, what would you name it?

Take a listen to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers’ tune “Moanin.” Listen to how trumpeter Lee Morgan swings through his solo then leads saxophonist Benny Golson into his. Listen to pianist Bobby Timmons make a musical statement you must to hear. Then take a close listen to bassist Jymie Merritt as he takes his turn at a solo all while being held in check by bandleader and drummer Art Blakey. It is a fascinating sophisticated listen.

Listen to this live convo about moanin’.

Go further: listen to Miles Davis’ “So What.” This song appears on his album title Kind of Blue, which is considered the greatest jazz album . . . . ever! What a conversations, wow!

Black Music Month Pt. 3 of 4: Jazz

Jazz is by far the most influential music ever created.  I know this is a bold statement, but it is true.  Jazz music has a critical global influence.  I would wager there is no place in the world anyone can travel and not hear some form of Jazz.  There are no pages left in Jazz’s passport.  The genre has never had any problems making its way through customs.  Jazz music, once known as jungle music, and music of the savage, capable of corrupting minds of the most pure soul, and inherently evil, ascended out of the brothels of Storyville, danced its way through the mean streets of St. Louis and Chicago, learned to swing in Harlem, and took flight across The Pond with all the sensibilities of the Black American struggle, was ultimately embraced by the world.

Jay McNeely corrupting the minds of the pure

Jazz, also known as American Classical Music, carries with it the entire narrative of the Black presence on American soil.  It is truth, it is emotion, it is literate, it is pompous, it is fresh, it is uncontainable, and it is love all at the same time.  Jazz is universally appealing and has the ability to change lives.

As the Jazz genre emerged out of the turn of the century, it shifted and transformed its style, rhythm, and movement to accommodate the changing cultural and social tides in America.  Today, moreover, through it all it has been sincere in its production and its message to the masses.

Continue to celebrate this BMM and listen to as much Jazz as you possibly can.  Check out the origins of Jazz in the recordings of Scott Joplin and Buddy Bolden.  Listen to the role of the Blues in the formation of Jazz with W. C. Handy, and Jelly Roll Morton.  Dive deep in to the era that placed Jazz on the map and check out the work of Louis Armstrong.  Learn about swing through the bands of Count Basie, Cab Calloway, and Duke Ellington.  Listen to amazing and classic voices (singers struggle to emulate today) of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Johnny Hartman.

Unmatchable voice

Find out what all the fuss is about Bebop by listening to Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Bud Powell.  Listen to the magic of Jazz through Miles Davis and John Coltrane.  Groove to the descargas of Afro-Cuban Jazz y escuchan a Chano Pozo, Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, Dizzy Gillespie (yes him again), Eddie Palmieri.  Then be reminded Jazz is still hot today and check out the new lions such as Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, Gregory Porter, Esperanza Spalding, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Robert Glasper.

For now, listen to 4 of my favorites.