PerfectCustomPapers | John Coltrane is an undisputed giant of jazz.

John Coltrane is an undisputed giant of jazz.

John Coltrane is an undisputed giant of jazz. There was an evolution in his creative style-both as composer and performer-from 1957 to 1964. Yet, there is an aspect of Coltrane’s performance artistry that remains distinctly identifiable throughout his career. Remarkably, his music would evolve further in the last three years of his life (1964-1967) into the realm of free jazz, some of which we will hear in this course.

Listening attentively to My Favorite Things played by John Coltrane, soprano saxophone (ss); McCoy Tyner, piano (p); Steve Davis, bass (b); and Elvin Jones, drums (d); and address the following questions:

Provide counter numbers for the beginnings and ends of the solos by McCoy Tyner and John Coltrane. (The order of solos in this piece is: Coltrane (melody), Tyner, Coltrane.)
Tyner plays the A section and then “vamps” with the pedal point in the bass before he begins to solo. A vamp is when one or two chords are repeated, usually with a pedal point. Coltrane also states the A section in his solo. Describe their solo styles.
Listen to Tyner and Coltrane phrase or create musical lines over the chord changes. Do Tyner and Coltrane solo on the chord changes of the melody? Do you recognize the modal characteristics of these solo sections? Try to include some detail.
Describe the rhythmic feel of drummer Elvin Jones and bassist Steve Davis during Coltrane’s solo. Would you describe the style of these soloists as bop, hard bop, modal, elements of all or something else? Explain in detail using what you’ve learned from the Lessons about these particular styles

Sample Answer

Counter Numbers for Solos

John Coltrane (melody): 00:00 – 02:12
McCoy Tyner: 02:13 – 03:47
John Coltrane: 03:48 – 06:12

Solo Styles

McCoy Tyner

McCoy Tyner’s solo is characterized by its intricate and melodic approach. He often plays long, flowing lines that are full of chromaticism and harmonic complexity. His use of block chords and arpeggios adds a rich and textured quality to his playing. Tyner’s solo is also notable for its strong sense of rhythm. He uses syncopation and displaced accents to create a sense of forward motion and propulsion.

Full Answer Section

John Coltrane

John Coltrane’s solo is more improvisational and exploratory than Tyner’s. He often uses motifs and phrases that he repeats and develops throughout his solo. His playing is full of passion and intensity, and he often reaches for the highest registers of his saxophone. Coltrane’s solo is also notable for its use of modal improvisation. He often uses the scales and modes associated with the chord changes to create his solos.

Phrasing and Chord Changes

Both Tyner and Coltrane phrase their solos in a way that is consistent with the chord changes of the melody. They often emphasize the chord tones and use passing tones to create a sense of harmonic movement. However, they also take liberties with the chord changes, using chromaticism and modal improvisation to create their own unique harmonic landscapes.

Modal Characteristics

The modal characteristics of the solos are most evident in Coltrane’s solo. He often uses the Dorian and Mixolydian modes, which are associated with the chord changes of the melody. His use of these modes gives his solo a distinctive modal flavor.

Rhythmic Feel

Elvin Jones and Steve Davis provide a solid and driving rhythmic foundation for the solos. Jones’ drumming is characterized by its polyrhythmic and unpredictable nature. He often uses syncopation and displaced accents to create a sense of excitement and tension. Davis’ bass playing is solid and supportive, and he often locks in with Jones to create a powerful and propulsive groove.

Solo Styles

The solo styles of Tyner and Coltrane can be described as a combination of bop, hard bop, and modal jazz. Their playing is rooted in the bop tradition, but they also incorporate elements of hard bop and modal jazz. Tyner’s solo is more bop-oriented, while Coltrane’s solo is more modal-oriented.

Overall Style

The overall style of My Favorite Things is a blend of bop, hard bop, and modal jazz. The melody is based on a standard bop tune, but the solos are more exploratory and improvisational than is typical of bop. The rhythmic feel is also more complex and unpredictable than is typical of bop. As a result, My Favorite Things is a unique and innovative jazz performance that stands as a testament to the genius of John Coltrane and his band.

This question has been answered.

Get Answer

No More Worries!

Paper Formatting

No Lateness!

Our Guarantees

John Coltrane is an undisputed giant of jazz.

Sample Answer

Full Answer Section

This question has been answered.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Why Choose Us