Creating a Listening Guide for History of Jazz
Overview:
Creating a Listening Guide for History of Jazz. Create a listening guide, First you will need to provide a short historical discussion that elaborates on either the biography of the performer. Hence establishing the context in which the recording was made, or the historical/cultural era in which it emerges. This part should be approximately one to two full pages in length but needn’t be too long or detailed. However, you should make it clear that you understand how this work fits in with the artist’s complete output and/or cultural context. In other words, be concise.
Do not turn in an exhaustive term paper, just a relatively brief overview. However, you will need to do a little bit of research. To begin, I advise that you look at New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians or New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, both of which are in the reference collection of the music library. In addition, Grove is available on-line through the music library web site
(http://www.library.stonybrook.edu/ – go to the Database area).
Summary:
I expect you to follow the standard conventions of academic writing including the proper citation of all sources (use University of Chicago format). The second part of the assignment is a breakdown of the significant musical events in the recording. Model your breakdown after the listening guides provided on Blackboard (weekly in the Assignments folder). Therefore, begin with a brief overview of the piece, which should include identifying the musicians on the recording, followed by a chart of the major moments in the piece.
While I don’t expect a second by second retelling of the piece (i.e., every second accounted for), I do expect that you account for all major events and that you explain changes in texture (i.e., full ensemble vs. solo section), style, and tempo. I will also expect comment on changes within a solo, i.e. the use of double-time figures, dramatic changes in register from low to high or vice versa, or if the backgrounds change behind the soloist. That sort of thing. As far as the type of music to use. However I would prefer you use a jazz recording from after 1920 to the present. If possible, provide a link to a youtube video of the recording. At the very least, provide as many details as you can about the recording
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