Who
wrote 'Take The 'A' Train'? Why is Julian Adderley called
'Cannonball'? If you have a burning question about a Jazz topic,
submit it here and let SkyJazz and our listeners try to answer it for
you. Just fill out the simple form. If YOU have an answer
for any of the questions, fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
Question #1
Where was
Jazz Originated?
From
Veronica J.
Elizabeth,Union
Answer
Jazz is a blend
of African and European influences. Jazz became because of the slave trade
in America. The practice of singing in the 'cotton fields' (which originated
the 'call & response' theme of the blues) didn't gel until the guitar became
the prominent instrument in the south. Later the banjo came into play along
with the influx of the sax from France, and/or the clarinet.
The major brass, trumpet & tuba/baritone horn joined with the other
instruments (clarinet/sax, and piano) to play New Orleans funeral 'happy
music' which joined with Piano ragtime to become Ragtime or 'Classic Jazz'.
When the Negro migrated to the North via the Mississippi River to Kansas
City and Chicago (and east to New York City) the music went with them
forming regional sounds. Soon, out of the New York sound came Swing.
After Swing and WWII came Be-bop, Hard Bop, Cool Jazz (west coast),3rd
stream music, Latin jazz (be-bop with Cuban and Puerto Rican 'salsa'),Soul
Jazz (of the 60's) New Jazz (the freedom of music spearheaded by Ornette
Coleman),Fusion (thanks to Miles Davis),and now Smooth Jazz.
This is an extremely simplified nutshell which should lead you to your own
detailed research for a better perspective.
Jazz, like Classical music has developed through various stages each with a
leading composer or stylist represented in each stage.
Make SURE YOU FIND SOME MUSIC AND LISTEN!
Good luck and ENJOY Martin, R. Los Angeles
Question #2
Joe Zawinul's "Mercy,
Mercy, Mercy" crossed over to the pop charts in the late 1960s. What was the
name of the band that had a hit with it?
From
Fred H. - Bellefontaine, Ohio,
U.S.A.
Answer
I think I have it Fred. is
it the Buckinghams?
Carl S. W. - Liberty,
Ohio, U.S.A.
Question
#3
I am
taking a music class in college. I went to a jazz concert and must write a
report on it.
This was my first jazz concert. I do not know what I am supposed to write.
What makes
jazz-jazz?
From
Shirley K.
Lanceford, USA
Answer
What a tough
question! I think that, as in any music, the player interprets
the work he or she is playing. Even classical musicians give
their own spin on the composer's work. But every musical
interpretation is also based on the history of the music. That
knowledge combined with the musician's muse is the essence of Jazz. It
don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing! Mike Smith - SkyJazz
Additional Answer
Shirley,
A tough and at least 100-year-old question. I echo Mike S. : It don't mean a
thing if it ain't got that swing. But, I wish I knew more about the concert
you attended.
No matter. Imagine a melody. Then imagine the melody isn't there. Then think
about all the variations you've superimposed on the melody as you whistle
along with any tune. You may opt to follow the melody, or you may opt to
follow the changes. That is jazz. And if your ears are tuned to the
experimental, you become a jazz musician in your own car while driving to
class.
Here are some books to get you started: "Dinosaurs In The Morning," by
Whitney Balliett [J.B. Lippincott, 1962]; "The Book Of Jazz From Then Till
Now," by Leonard Feather [Horizon, 1965]; "Jazz Masters of the Forties," by
Ira Gitler [Macmillan, 1966]; "Jazz Country," by Nat Hentoff [Harper&Row,
1965]; and "Toward Jazz," by Andre Hodeir [Grove, 1962].
Any autobiography of a working musician will offer insights into the
intentions of particular recordings, and the works of Feather, Hentoff and
Baillet can be relied upon as commentaries by sympathetic fans of the music.
Good luck with the paper. I hope it leads to a more personal in-depth
exploration of this wonderful music. If you don't take to it at first, give
it time. It's as fresh as today's headlines, if you know how to listen.
Best wishes! Fred H. -
Bellefontaine, Ohio
Question #4
Who wrote 'Good
Intentions'
From
Pete R., Turku, Finland
Answer
Hi Pete:
There were many songs titled 'Good Intentions'. The one
recorded by Rosemary Clooney was written by the prolific song team of Ray
Evans and Jay Livingston. There have also been ones written by Lyle
Lovett, and Gerry Rafferty and even one written by a fellow named Brian
Brill and performed by one of our Discovery Artists, Robert Tye.
I guess it depends on which one you are referring to.
Mike Smith - SkyJazz
Question #5
What are the chord
changes of CTA?
From
Ole K., Oslo, Norway
ANSWER
CTA is a variation of
"Rhythm Changes".
Simplified it is -
[A section] - Bflat7 Aflat7 Gflat7 F7
[Bridge] - Dalt7 G7 Calt7 F7
Jazzbo
Question #6
Who wrote 'Take The 'A'
Train'?
From
Ina C Whalley England
ANSWER
Billy Strayhorn
Mike Smith - SkyJazz
Question #7
What is the name of the
jazz piece written by Steve Allen?
From
Joan G. Glenview, USA
Answer
You'll have to be a little
more specific, Joan because Steve Allen wrote about 8,500 songs and produced
75 albums. Some of his well-known songs include Gravy Waltz and This
Could Be The Start Of Something Big. A good web resource is
www.steveallen.com
Mike Smith - SkyJazz
Question #8
Would a American Jazz
Awards show be good for jazz music and would it be recieved well by the fans
in the U.S.? thanks!
From
joey b. san diego u.s.
Answer
Because Jazz only accounts for
less than 4 percent of the total music business, I doubt that any sponsor
would shell out for an awards show like the Oscars. However, remember that
Downbeat magazine always runs their annual readers poll and I believe Jazziz
does the same. I think there's always room for another poll but the venue
will remain limited to niche areas like magazines or possibly websites. We
have run polls on SkyJazz and will do so in the future. Jazz fans like us
always think that the genre has more impact than it does but the truth is
that Jazz is a very specific area of music with a dedicated but limited fan
base. It bothers me that 'Smooth' jazz is even included in the mix.
Unfortunately, bottom line rules. Thanks for asking and stay tuned!
Mike Smith - SkyJazz
Question #9
Rita Reys the singer,I
can't find her in any of by books or on the internet.Can you give me some
information.
From
John D, Australia
Answer
Rita Reys is a wonderful Jazz
vocalist who comes from Holland. After she was discovered and came
to the U.S., she sang with many artists including Art Blakey and the
JM in 1955.
Here is a great link:
http://www.mrlucky.com/songbirds/html/features/c_discs_reyes.html
Mike Smith - SkyJazz
Additional Answer
Hi!
I'm webmaster of Rita's homepage:
www.geocities.com/ritareys
Rita is still singing at the age of 77 She's too marvelous for words!
For any information, mail me at
ritareys@yahoo.com
Jurjen Donkers, Zoetermeer,
Holland
Question #10
I'm looking for the
chord changes for "This could be the start of something big" Any help would
be appreciated! Thanks
From
David B. Manchester USA
Question #11
Has anyone heard of
the Ted Harris Quartet? They formed in 1946 on the conceptual premise of
melodic improvisation collectively in a twelve tone style. This was 3 years
before the Tristano school experiments and 12 years before Ornnette's
"Somthin' Else"
From
Adrian D.
Niagara, Canada
Answer
The Ted Harris Quartet
played in a nightclub called Ernie's in Greenwich Village, NYC on West 4th
Street. They were Ted Harris on piano, ALdo Lanfranco on drums, Angelo
Musolino on guitar, and Joe Maneri on Sax/Clarinet.
Steven Harris son of Ted
Harris
Follow-Up
Steven Harris, do you have
any recordings of the Ted Harris Quartet? There are people who are
interested in hearing the music. Thank you.
Tim S., Lexington, KY
Question #12
What exactly "jazz"
mean? Is it a slang version of saying "yes"? (I say this because of a
gersuin's song which says yes yes yes... and it is heard some way like jazz
jazz jazz)
Thank you in advance.
From
George E. - Thessaloniki,
Greece Europe
Question #13
Why is a harmonica
called a harpoon?
From
Bruce V., Emmaus, PA, USA
Question #14
Does anyone know when
Diz first recorded "Con Alma"?
From
Dave S., Sao Paulo, Brazil
Question #15
A jazz singer remade
some old Disney songs, lullabies, etc. and named the album "Old Wine in
New Skins"? I need help with title and singer. I want this album but
can't find it anywhere.
From
Michael V. Nampa, USA
Question #16
I am after a very
famous saxophone song but all I know is what it sounds
like and that it is by Cleo Laine and Johnny Dankworth,
could anyone tell me the names of a few of their famous songs.
From
Phil, Mandleberg,
Gibraltar
Question #17
Whats a good jazz
voicing for piano for the chord Gflat7#9#11
From
Katina V Edmonds, WA
Question #18
Hello...I would
like to know what is doing the Superb Jazz Singer MORGANA KING these
days.. + where is morgana king today
From
Doaldo C., Miami Beach,
USA <>
lee s boca raton fl. usa
Answer
Doaldo, A dear
friend gave me a cd of Morgana King. Since I heard her singing I fell in
love with her.....and also with my friend.
Fonnylio V.
Question #19
I'm a aspiring
jazz guitarist and I am wondering if anybody can recommend a Jazz
"method" book that teaches the proper ways to "Phrase" your lines when
you play so that they sound like jazz?
From
Ron D Cleveland, USA
Answer
The Jamey Aebersold
books are always an excellent way to learn how to play jazz. Just google
his name and you should be on your way. Also, I highly recommend Wolf
Marshall's book "101 Must-Know Jazz Licks," and the Real Book. Good
Luck!
Stefan T. Rye, NY
Question #20
I really enjoy
the sax but I have a really hard time finding sax licks without having
to pay
for 100 songs I don't need. Where can I find free transcriptions to
songs such as Baby I Love
Your Way by Bob Marley, transcription to Candy Dulfer's music and funk
band sheet music?
From
Austin L. - Melbourne,
Australia
Question #21
What country was the
tuba originated in?
From
chris. p.,
Lola
Question #22
Where can I find
Albums-CDs with G.Gersuin's songs??? And what is their titles??? Thank
you in advance...
From
Christina, T., Greece,
Europe
Answer
CD Titles of
G.Gershwin's songs:
1.Geroge
Gershin plays his Greatest Hits (producer Mastersound Int.) 2.Best of
the Classics..George Gershwin (producer DDD,Canada) 3. George
Gershwin..The Ultimate Collection (produced inLondon)
4.Gershwin..(produced by LaserLight Digial)..Delta Music) 5. Stars Sing
Gershwin 6. The Essential George Gershwin 7. George & Ira Gershwin
Standards & Gems (Producer: Nonesuch) 8.Boston Pops Orchestra..Arthur
Fiedler Conductor George Gershwin's Concerto in F, Rapsody in Blue. You
can order these at your local CD store.
Cathy G. Delaware, USA
Question #23
I am trying to find the title of
a Jazz piece and I only know the melody.
Some of the notes are:
d g(f#) gagd g( f#)gagb (a#)bcbag(f# ) aged cegb egba
Of course, I am probably asking too much of you, but I'd sure appreciate help.
Cathy G. Delaware, USA
If you have an answer or
confirmation for any of the questions, fill out the form below.
Who
wrote 'Take The 'A' Train'? Why is Julian Adderley called
'Cannonball'? If you have a burning question about a Jazz topic,
submit it here and let SkyJazz and our listeners try to answer it for
you. Just fill out the simple form. If YOU have an answer
for any of the questions, fill out the form at the bottom of the page.