1. What Is Jazz? “MAN, IF YOU HAVE TO ASK WHAT JAZZ IS, YOU'LL NEVER KNOW.” – LOUIS ARMSTRONG

2. Some Eras and Genres in Jazz  New Orleans – (late 1890s-1920?)  Chicago – (1920s)  Swing – (1930s-40)  Bebop – (1940s  Cool Jazz, Hard Bop – (1950s)  Avant-Garde, Free Jazz – (1960s?)  Fusion (1970)

3. Possible Definitions/Descriptions of Jazz (Gridley)  Strict definition – improvisation and “swing feel”  Tradition  “Family Resemblances”  “Jazzness”

4. Improvisation and “Swing Feel”  Improvisation  Extemporaneous composition  Composition in the moment  Often seems spontaneous, but requires dedication and skill development  “Language”  “Swing Feel” (see notes on possible definitions of swing - http://people.eku.edu/nelsonl/muh271/swingdefinition.html) http://people.eku.edu/nelsonl/muh271/swingdefinition.html  Term used to refer to a variety of concepts, most often either:  A description of the quality of performance (like “groove”), or  A potentially complex set of performance practices

5. Instrumentation  What instruments (including voice) are used?  Timbre  The distinctive sound/tone color of each instrument  Differences between 2 performers  Manipulation by a performer  Mutes – used by brass players to modify the character of the sound  Performance practices

6. Ensemble  Small group:  soloist(s), often primary focus of attention.  provides melody.  improvised solos  rhythm section.  typically piano and/or guitar, bass, drums.  provides rhythmic and harmonic foundation.  Big Band (or larger ensemble).  horn sections/rhythm section.  typically more focus on composition, arrangement, ensemble performance.