Slang: A Language All its Own

Jazz has introduced and expanded upon many innovations in music. One innovation that has endured is the use of slang terminology. You can see a pretty exhaustive list of often used slang terms right here

So now for the follow-up...

• Why do you think jazz musicians developed this manner of speaking?
• What do you think is the overall intention of slang use?
• Do we (or your generation) still utilize slang terms?
• Has the use of slang terminology evolved over time?
• Care to share any of your favorite slang terms?

Jazz in Literature: The Reunion

Jazz music has had an influence on how people dress, speak and move. Jazz has even been a major influence on the writing of important authors and poets. Early in the course, we read the poem "Jazz Fantasia" by Carl Sandburg. In that poem, Mr. Sandburg was trying to express, in words, all the swirling emotions and sounds of Jazz. Other writers have made Jazz a central theme or plot point in their writings. 

The materials you need for today's class can be found in the following folder in the Jazz History classroom handouts:

• Jazz Writing/ Short Stories

You will read the short story "The Reunion" by Maya Angelou
After completing the story, please respond to the comprehension questions.

This is the first assignment in a series of projects about Jazz in literature.

Duke Ellington's Sidemen: The Colors of the Orchestra

Duke Ellington’s Sidemen

The unique sounds of Ellington

This list represents a sampling of some of the many musicians who passed through the ranks of the Ellington Orchestra. The unique sounds they created set a standard for artistry that has never been surpassed in Jazz music.

Harry Carney- Baritone Sax- A full rich sound, Carney had the longest tenure with Ellington. He developed a practice of circular breathing in which the player can continue to blow out through the mouth while inhaling through the nose. It allowed him to sustain notes indefinitely. “Sophisticated Ladies”

Jimmy Blanton- Double Bass- Also called the string bass, this instrument was still playing simple bass parts similar to a tuba until Blanton revolutionized the instrument. He could improvise like a horn player and create stunning intricate lines and fills. “Jack the Bear”

Bubber Miley –Trumpet- Bubber was the originator of the “jungle sound” of Ellington’s music. He growled into his horn and used a mute to create menacing sounds that became a trademark. “East St. Louis Toodle-oo”

Tricky Sam Nanton- Trombone- Sam Nanton took the growling muting effects of Bubber Miley and transferred them to the trombone. His unique results were an eerie human voice quality that defies description and must be heard to be believed. “What am I Here For?”

Johnny Hodges- Alto Sax- Hodges had a uniquely beautiful sound on the alto sax. It was described as “excruciatingly beautiful” by Ellington. He could bend and slide notes on his instrument like no other player before him. The results are a wonder to hear. “Passion Flower”

Cootie Williams- Trumpet- Cootie could play all styles and had a wide range of sounds for the horn. He could growl, play muted, play with a big beautiful open horn sound and improvise. Ellington considered an integral part of the band and would often compose pieces to highlight his versatility. “Concerto for Cootie”

William “Cat” Anderson- Trumpet- Cat Anderson was a high note trumpet specialist. His dramatic screaming trumpet became a necessity in the big band repertoire for excitement and power. “Blue Jean Beguine” 

The Classic "Cutting" Contest

The Cutting Contest has been a proving ground for jazz musicians for as long as there has been jazz.


Please read the following book excerpt about one of the most famous cutting contests of all time.

• Write a brief synopsis (summary) (75-100 words) of the book excerpt.

• Your synopsis should include the major players of the story and the basic storyline.

• You also need to answer the following question in a separate paragraph:

• Why do you think there are so many different accounts of the same event? What do you think really happened at the Cherry Blossom in Kansas City, Missouri? 

This assignment will count as a quiz grade

Assignment due: 3/20/13

The Evolution of the Jazz Band

The Swing era Big Band evolved from the Dixieland Bands that were forming just after the turn of the century.
Below is a clip of a traditional Dixieland Band.



The next clip shows a modern swing era Big Band.

What are similarities and differences between these two groups. What do you think are some of the 
reasons jazz groups went from the dixieland style groups to the big band style groups?

Weekly Listening Log

Students in Jazz History will complete a weekly listening log. The idea of the listening log is to expose students to American music and record their thoughts and perceptions of what they hear.
The listening log will submitted or posted each week by Friday. Students may opt to include their log record as part of their classroom blog or submit the assignment via email.

A link to the assignment sheet is located HERE and in the links section of the blog.

First listening log is due by Friday 3/22/13

Artist Interview

Our favorite musical artists have earned that status because of certain qualities that appeal to our unique sensibilities. The opportunity to spend some time with our favorite artist is a rare chance to gain insight into their appeal.
Using the Sonny Rollins interview as a model, you are going to conduct an interview with your favorite musical artist. The interview should be in a converstional style not a simple question answer format. (see Sonny Rollins interview)Make sure to find the answers to the following questions in your interview:

• How did you first get involved with music?

• What were your earliest influences?

• What is the thing you most enjoy about making music?

• Are there other artists that you enjoy listening to these days?

• How do you want to be remembered?

You can use internet sources to get more background on your chosen artist. Please cite your sources at the end of the interview. Do not cut and paste, restate any information in your own words.
The interview must be submitted by Monday 3/18/13

You do not need to limit your interview to these questions, but they should be the starting point. Your completed interview should be in the 650-750 word range.

This assignment will count as a quiz grade

Duke Ellington Interview 1973

Duke Ellington gave this interview on his arrival to Sweden in 1973.


In the interview he says, "Jazz? To me the word means freedom of expression."

• What do you think he means when he says these words?

He goes on to say that, "Once jazz is accepted as art, popularity doesn't mean anything. When you get into popularity you are talking about money and not music."

• What do you think he means with this statement?
• Do you agree or disagree with the point he is making and why?

In the final 15 seconds or so of the interview Ellington talks about "the young people as consumers".

• What do you think of his point of view on this subject?
• Does he have a valid point?
• Is this point as valid today as it was in 1973?

The Jazz Age and The Swing Era: Listen Up!*

The improvised solo is a cornerstone of jazz. Instrumentalists, accompanied by a rhythm section or an entire band, perform spontaneous solos over chord changes (the harmonic structure of a tune). The extended improvised jazz solo developed, in part, from breaks, or short phrases performed while the band stops for one or more measures.

Listen to the following excerpts and observe how the soloists play through the breaks. Count the number of beats or measures per break and note the instruments that solo through the break. How does each soloist approach the break? How do the other instruments support the soloist?

• James Reese Europe’s Hellfighter Band,  “Memphis Blues”
• Jelly Roll Morton,  “Black Bottom Stomp”
• Jelly Roll Morton,  “Original Jelly Roll Blues”
• Count Basie and his Orchestra,  “Jumpin’ at the Woodside”

*From NEA Jazz in the School Program

Jazz Evolution: The Swing Era

As we head into the 1920's we are hearing a change in the way jazz is played. The tuba and banjo are being replaced by the string bass and the guitar respectively. The 2 beat feel that accents the first and third beat of every measure is making way for a new 4 beat feel that places emphasis on beats 2 and 4. The music is becoming less about ceremony and more about dancing and free expression.
Find out more about the evolution of the jazz age by reading the essay, The Jazz Age and the Swing Era.

When you complete the reading, please take a brief multiple choice comprehension quiz. You will need to log into Quizstar to complete the quiz.

Beyond the Music: The Impact of Louis Armstrong

We are going to view a short segment of the PBS documentary Jazz. In this video excerpt, A young man by the name of Charles Black has a chance encounter with Louis Armstrong.

• Describe the meeting of Louis Armstrong and Charles Black. (1 paragraph)

• What was Mr. Black's reaction to hearing Louis Armstrong? (1 paragraph)

• How did Mr. Black focus this encounter and inspiration? (1 paragraph)