Cool Jazz
Qingwen Wang 8P
How and where did it evolve?
The Be-bop style of jazz (Bop for short) was very fast with complex harmonies and wild improvisation on solo instruments.
It was developed during the 1950s by Charlie Parker, also known as Bird - a virtuoso saxophonist and brilliant improviser.
By the second half of the 20th Century, jazz orchestras had a full range of saxophones, including soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones.
Jazz greats of this period include Miles Davis (trumpet), Ella Fitzgerald (singer) and Chet Baker (singer, trumpet).
The first and most important cool jazz artist was trumpeter Miles Davis;2 the first important cool jazz album was his Birth of the Cool.
What are the features of the music that he would love?
- make you feel breezy, casual, carefree and of course, cool.
They ranged in size from trios to nonets (nine-piece band).
“Classical” instruments such as flute, French horn, tuba, and vibraphone (vibes) were often found in cool jazz groups.
Cool jazz was a blending of jazz and classical music.
included counterpoint, that is, two or more melodic lines occurring at the same time
both the arrangement and the improvised solos were important
was arranged (written) ahead of time
Are there any interesting facts about the musicians who performed in that style?
MILES DAVIS
- BORN: MAY 26, 1926
- DIED: SEPTEMBER 28, 1991
- trumpeter and bandleader
- he began in the circle of modern jazz
- “I don’t want you to like me because of Kind of Blue,” he insisted. “Like me for what we’re doing now.” - Miles
Give me an example to listen to
- The Miles Davis Nonet’s “Boplicity”
- Gerry Mulligan Quartet’s “Bernie’s Tune”
- The Dave Brubeck Quartet’s “Take Five”