Concise Guide to Jazz Chapter Summary-Chapter 5

(swing)


1. Swing differs from early jazz in:
a. greater use of written arrangements
b. less emphasis on ragtime-like pieces
c. rejection of collective improvisation in favor of solo improvisation
d. increased use of string bass instead of tuba
e. greater swing feeling
f. increased use of hi-hat cymbals
g. replacement of banjo with guitar
h. emphasis on big ban over small-group instrumentation
i. saxophone becoming the predominant instrument

2. important big bands were led by pianists Duke Ellington and Count Basie, and (clarinetist Benny Goodman) as well as Fletcher Henderson.

3. Ellington was the most creative and prolific composer-arranger in jazz history.

4. Basie's rhythm section played lightly and swung with great ease.

5. The most influential saxophonists were Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young (as well as Ben Webster).

6. The most influential pianists were Art Tatum (and Teddy Wilson).

7. Tatum possessed phenomenal speed. He was known for spontaneously changing and adding chords in pop tune accompaniments.

8. Roy Eldrige paved the way for modern jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie by imporvising firey, saxophone -like lines on trumpet.