Arts and Humanities | Open Access Articles | Digital Commons Network™

Jazz, Minnesota State University - Moorhead

Art and Music

Photographs of a display of government documents from Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

An Analytical Approach To Vibraphone Performance Through The Transcription And Analysis Of Gary Burton's Solo On Blue Monk, Charles Bryant Brooks

LSU Major Papers

The purpose of this study is to gain a insight into the realm of solo jazz vibraphone performance through the transcription and analysis of Gary Burton's improvised solo on "Blue Monk" by Thelonious Monk, recorded on the Album Face to Face with pianist Makoto Ozone. Gary Burton is the inventor of the "Burton grip," a four-mallet grip used for vibraphone performance. His individual approach to playing the vibraphone and highly developed technique seem unattainable for many students of percussion. Nonetheless,many vibraphonists, including Burton, have published method books about his grip and its application. In order to emulate his style diligent …

Go to article

Yardbird Cello: Adapting The Language Of Charlie Parker To The Cello Through Solo Transcription And Analysis, Kristin Isaacson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This paper examines the musical and technical demands of adapting the bebop melodic language of saxophonist Charlie Parker to the cello. String players have tended to avoid this musical language due to its non-idiomatic nature. A staple of jazz performers' repertory however, bebop tunes remain standard works of study for any student of jazz improvisation. This paper examines the challenges for the cellist's left hand in playing Parker's melodies and improvisations. It also suggests possible bowing solutions that allow the player to emulate his articulation. Further, it examines issues of musical timing and various learning techniques for the application of …