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Jazz Appreciation

Compare & Contrast Paper Guidelines

General Suggestions:

• Each student is required to produce a comparison between two jazz artists of the 20th century.
• 3-5 pages typed (with standard spacing and font-as represented on this page).
• Create a simple, clear, basic essay (theme).
• Begin with a clear thesis statement that is easily supported with factual research (not only personal opinion)
• Organize statements into a logical, sequential flow.
• Consider using balanced statements for comparison.
• Support arguments with factual research and concrete documentation (discography, bibliography, and footnotes) where appropriate.
• The instructor is looking for the student's ability to communicate concepts and to include (at least) the required information.
• Covering the minimum requirements does not constitute an "A"
• Original creative thought or perspective may constitute the grounds for an "A" if this is well supported by research.
• Use standard written English (avoid slang and conversational terms).
• Use proper punctuation and grammar.
• Avoid first person references ("I") and personal opinion.
• This is an analytical, factual examination of two artists as demonstrated through their music; not a "creative" (poetic or artistic) writing assignment.

Possible topics:

• Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday
• Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young
• Duke Ellington and Count Basie
• Roy Eldrige and Dizzy Gillespie
• Fats Waller and James P. Johnson
• Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet
• Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbeck
• Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian
• Charlie Parker and Johnny Hodges
• John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman
• John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins
• Miles Davis Rhythm Sections of 50's and 60's
• Ornette Coleman and Cecil Taylor
• Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock

Specific things to include:

(this list is a starting place and not necessarily all inclusive or presented in any particular order)

• Make reference to the cultural significance of the performers and their style in the overall scheme of American history (and possiby our current culture).
• Make reference to the major musical contributions (changes) each individual may have brought to the jazz in general.
• Make reference to any specific characteristics that define the musician or his compositions. Clearly list them.
• Examine a specific composition (or improvisation) by each musician.
• Make a statement about each of the 4 elements of music in that composition (Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Form)
• Make a statement about each of the 4 criterion of "swing" feeling in tha compostion (steady tempo, syncopation, rise and fall of tension, groove or coordination, energy or livliness)
• Make a statement about the artist as a soloist in that composition (instrumental technique, tone quality, knowledge of material, storytelling, dialogue, call and response, energy of presentation, ability to capture interest)