MUSIC 0711 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Freddie Keppard, Duke Ellington, Mezz Mezzrow
Document Summary
Most important american composer of the 20th century: only the fact that his music is jazz and not european classical music has prevented some people from granting him that honor. Professional career started when he began substituting for local pianists around. He got his first big break with the elmer snowden band: eventually assumed the leadership of the group and began to develop his famous concept of orchestrating each composition to fit the individual performers. Early jazz bands were the source of every musician"s inspiration and musical education: improvisers learned by listening to and duplicating the great soloists. The popularity of the ellington orchestra during the 1920s harlem renaissance centered around its ability to imitate jungle sounds while accompanying musicals. Johnny hodges emerged from the ellington orchestra: sound and style were so unique that it was impossible to find a replacement for him without getting a carbon copy.
