Writing Homework Help

1. Please include 4 links to any online source of jazz music (YouTube is a great resource for both video and audio-only links). Tell me the title of the song/piece, and the name of the lead musician (and the name of the band, if appropriate). Then, explain why you find each song interesting.

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2. Address all aspects of both of the following topics, with a combined total of 540-660 words.

a. Compare/contrast cool jazz and hard bop, by explaining three musical characteristics of each style. Identify two key innovators of each style, and the geographic associations of each style. How did the phenomenon of “West Coast Jazz” and its racial coding as “white” make the African-American jazz scene in Los Angeles invisible?

b. Explain how the approach to jazz called modalism was unique and distinctly different, compared to other post bop styles in the 1950s. Identify the artist and title of the influential album that launched the modal jazz scene.

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3. Write 8 journal entries – one for each song that you listen to – addressing all of the following bullet points for each song (8 songs, 8 paragraphs):

• What’s the title of the song?

• What’s the name of the band leader and/or band? This information is clearly provided on internet and satellite radio. If you’re listening to a traditional radio broadcast, DJs announce this info every now and then.

• What’s the instrumentation? Larger ensembles such as swing big bands can be identified as such, but for smaller ensembles (up to 5 performers) I’d like you to identify all of the individual instruments if possible.

• Describe the general character of the music: what’s the atmosphere, vibe or emotional content of the piece? How would you describe the tempo (slow, medium, fast)? Does the music sound consonant (harmonious) or dissonant (discordant and clashing) – or something in between?

• How does the music unfold from beginning to end? This is the most important aspect of this assignment, and should comprise at least half of each of your 8 journal entries. This can include descriptions of shifts in mood and character, interesting exchanges/dialogues between instruments/musicians, descriptions of solos, and other notable moments.