Jazz
Performance: "Blues After Dark," Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet), Sonny Stitt (tenor sax), Lou Levy (piano), Ray Brown (bass), Gus Johnson (drums). In Belgium, 1958
This dynamic performance starts rather tentatively with the trumpet and saxophone, before the band joins in earnestly. Piano, bass, and drums accompany the lead trumpet (Dizzy Gillespie) and tenor saxophone (Sonny Stitt). The introduction builds rather quickly after that, build around a central phrasing structure. There are deliberate and dynamic pauses inserted throughout, adding dimension and tension. The head or lead instruments, which remain the trumpet and saxophone, guide the jazz band. The same riff and phrase is echoed by trumpet and saxophone, as the two instruments play together in unison. The piano answers. Occasionally the piano provides a lead-in for the next measure, as if introducing the trumpet and the saxophone. The bass provides the rhythmic structure that keeps the band focused. Moreover, the bass serves to change the rhythm and tempo, when it is needed. The drum is so soft that it is barely there, more visible than it is audible.
There are three solos in the piece. The first solo is the trumpet solo, which is heralded by a few solo notes played by the saxophone. The trumpet solo is long, and is the feature of "Blues After Dark." Dizzy Gillespie is in full control. His solo is long, nuanced, and captivating. The bass provides the only accompaniment, and is the only necessary accompanying instrument to provide rhythm and structure as well as depth and nuance to the piece. The stand up bass is all walking...
Jazz "Blues After Dark," Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet), Sonny Stitt (tenor sax), Lou Levy (piano), Ray Brown (bass), Gus Johnson (drums). In Belgium, 1958 Style = BeBop Role of Piano = Stride and Comping Role of the Bass = Walking Role of the Drums = Brushing and Riding Role of the Trumpet and Saxophone = Lead and Melody "Blues After Dark" starts off with Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Stitt, for a few measures only the trumpet and saxophone
Jazz "Blues After Dark," Feat. Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet), Sonny Stitt (tenor sax), Lou Levy (piano), Ray Brown (bass), Gus Johnson (drums). In Belgium, 1958 Starting with the dueling instruments, it almost sounds like two muted trumpets, because the harmonics are intense. For a few notes, it remains that way until I see that it is not two trumpets but rather, a trumpet and a saxophone. They are playing together brilliantly. A smooth stand
Drums, piano, and bass all remain strictly rhythmic elements of this piece, though the latter two also provide melodic and harmonic support to this smooth yet snappy piece that is not quite a ballad yet is not nearly up-tempo enough to be considered be-bop. Johnson drives with his sticks on the drums with some liberal symbol use, and Brown keeps a steady bass line moving underneath the melody and
The tone of Dizzie Gillespie and Sonny Sit's solos is notably more optimistic and cheerful. Dizzie Gillespie once again introduces some elements of Bebop into the context of his solos to enrich the more set harmony of the rest of the song. The end of the song actually features Dizzie Gillespie and OSnny Sitt singing along, really capturing the duet style of the song that was first introduced by
Listening "Blues After Dark." Belgium 1958 ~ Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet), Sonny Stitt (tenor and alto sax), Lou Levy (piano), Ray Brown (bass), and Gus Johnson (drums) Style of the Piece: Jazz blues (Early Jazz) Role(s) of piano: The piano is heard in the background, against the horn. The piano player Lou Levy has a solo towards the end of the song but it is brief. Role(s) of bass: The bass provides a deep sound
Cool Jazz A Brief History of Cool Jazz December 6, 2012, would have marked the ninety-second birthday of pianist Dave Brubeck. The nonagenarian was looking forward to performing at the Palace Theater near his home in Waterbury, Connecticut. Sadly, Brubeck died of heart failure just one day shy of the celebratory concert. The concert went on as scheduled, but it was a memorial rather than a birthday party. It is what Brubeck
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