Site MapHelpFeedbackStudent Projects
Student Projects
(See related pages)



1

The Count Basie Orchestra rhythm section became a model in the development of jazz swing style. Listen to "Every Tub" with the purpose of hearing and identifying what the rhythm section players are doing. In terms of rhythm, how would you describe what the bass is doing through most of the song? What is the name of this technique? Can you identify what the drums are playing? Listen to the drums while the piano is soloing (0:31-0:54). What part of the drumset can you most clearly hear? Do you detect anything else the drummer is doing? What is the piano doing during the tenor saxophone solo (0:16-0:23)? It can be difficult to hear the guitar on some of the older recordings of Count Basie. Nevertheless, it does contribute to the texture. Try to listen for the guitar during one of the sections of this song where the brass and saxophones are not playing.
2

Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young were two important tenor saxophonists during the swing era. Compare the styles of Hawkins on "Body and Soul" and Young on "Every Tub." Note that Young is the first soloist on "Every Tub." How do these two distinct musicians sound different or similar? Consider use of range (low or high notes), technique (playing slow or fast), timbre (brilliant or mellow sound), vibrato (straight tone or with vibrato), and any other aspects you notice. To jazz fans familiar with these two musicians, Hawkins and Young sound as different from one another as do two of your close friends' speaking voices. To further this analogy in a musical sense, select two musicians, singers, or bands, both in a genre of music with which you are very familiar, and compare and contrast them (e.g., compare and contrast the singing styles of Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney of the Beatles).
3

The text suggests that some of the most popular music of the swing era was actually the least significant in terms of artistic achievement. Do you see any parallels in popular music today? Give examples. How about in other forms of art or entertainment? Of course great artists such as Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Count Basie managed to be both commercially and artistically successful. Can you think of examples of musicians or other artists today that have found such a balance in their careers?





To learn more about the book this website supports, please visit its Information Center.
(c)2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.


Experiencing JazzOnline Learning Center

Home > Chapter 8 > Student Projects