Jazz Week 6

A. Listen to the Scott Joplin Maple Leaf Rag that we heard earlier in the course and compare it with Thelonious Monk’s piece called “Criss Cross.” Talk about the various elements of music especially melody.

B. As we have seen, in works like “Haitian Fight Song,” and others, Charles Mingus’s music is often political or has a social message–it is making a commentary on political or social conditions or events. This is not the first time that music has been used as a political commentary or as a catalyst for social change. Can you think of other examples in twentieth century history where music has been used for political or social purposes? How about during the sixties during the time of Civil Rights protests? In your opinion, was music ever a factor in real social change? Did it bring people together?

C. Compare the Preservation Hall version of the St. Louis Blues that is now up for you under this weeks Materials with the Sonny Rollins composition Blue 7. Does the Sonny Rollins seem to be evolving from a little idea heard in the sax when it comes in?