Jazz and Prohibition

Using the NEA Essay II, discuss the affect prohibition had on jazz music.

• What is prohibition?
• How and why did it affect jazz music?
• Did the law have the intended affect?

Contrasts in Style

Today we are going to discuss the contrasts in style of two famous big band leaders: Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Though their styles have contrast, their overall musical genre (Big Band) is the same.

• Do you listen to any musical styles that have an extreme contrast?
• What examples do you have of musical artists that have contrasting styles?
• How would you describe the contrasts in those styles?

Duke Ellington: Beyond Category

It was often said of Ellington, "He was a masterful pianist but his real instrument was the orchestra he led for half a century."

• Based on what you have seen and heard, what do you think is the meaning behind that statement?
• Duke Ellington's early music was often called "Jungle Music". Listen to the musical clip The Mooche. What are the characteristics of this piece that might lead people to describe the music in that way?

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