A Guide to Exploring NYC-Style Jazz After Watching Whiplash
After watching the film Whiplash, many are drawn to the energy and spirit of jazz music, especially the NYC-style. This dynamic and progressive style of jazz has a rich history that spans several decades. In this guide, we will explore some essential tracks and albums to help you dive deeper into the world of NYC-style jazz.
Introduction to NYC-Style Jazz
NYC-style jazz is characterized by its complexity and innovation, reflecting the city's vibrant and competitive musical landscape. Movies like Whiplash often highlight this aspect of jazz, but it's important to understand that the film may not represent the entire spectrum of jazz accurately. Despite its dramatic portrayal, the film can indeed serve as a gateway to appreciating more authentic jazz music.
Recommended Tracks and Albums
Charlie Parker's Birdland
Charlie Parker, often referred to as Bird, was a pivotal figure in the development of bebop, a precursor to modern jazz. If you're interested in Birdland, you should definitely explore some of Parker's tracks. His recordings and improvisations are quintessential examples of NYC-style jazz. Some standout tracks include:
Yardbird Suite - A complex and innovate composition that showcases Parker's virtuosity. Ornithology - This track exemplifies the technical precision and rhythmic complexities found in NYC-style jazz. Donna Lee - Known for its intricate rhythms and fast tempo, this track is a must-listen.Another excellent tracking is Jaco Pastorius’s cover of Donna Lee, which adds a new dimension to the original.
Soul Station by Hank Mobley
If you enjoy a bluesy and soulful sound, Hank Mobley is a great choice. His album Soul Station provides a fantastic snapshot of the stylistic period and aesthetic preferences of Blue Note Records. Mobley was known for his smooth, soulful, and technically proficient playing, making this album an excellent introduction to the genre.
Miles Davis
Miles Davis is a legend in the jazz world, known for his innovative and influential style. Exploring his work can provide a broader understanding of NYC-style jazz. Any full album by Davis is worth listening to, as it often serves as a watershed moment in the development of jazz. Some notable albums include:
Kind of Blue - Often lauded as one of the most influential jazz albums ever recorded. Bitches Brew - A groundbreaking fusion of jazz and rock elements. Sketches of Spain - Features a blend of Spanish influences and Davis's signature style.Other notable modern jazz leaders include Joshua Redman, Nicholas Peyton, Wynton Marsalis, Brad Mehldau, Chris Potter, and Pat Metheny. Listening to their works can give you a taste of the prevailing styles during their most popular periods.
Exploring Jazz Composers
Investigating composers who contributed significantly to the development of jazz can provide valuable insights. Some essential jazz composers to explore include:
Billy Strayhorn - Known for his harmonically sophisticated compositions. George Shearing - Known for his melodic and harmonically complex arrangements. Wayne Shorter - Renowned for his innovative compositions and improvisational skills. Cedar Walton - A prolific composer with a flair for complex harmonies and rhythms.These composers often wrote pieces that are hailed as masterpieces, providing a rich understanding of the jazz approach to harmony and composition.
Discovering Your Favorite Artists
Your favorite artists will always be the ones that resonate with you the most. Discovering side projects, collaborations, and influences of your favorite artists can broaden your musical horizons. For example, if you enjoy playing with a particular artist, exploring their early albums or collaborations with other musicians can provide a different perspective on their style.
The key to enjoying any music is to keep an open mind and be curious. As you explore these tracks and albums, you'll find that there's no wrong way to appreciate jazz. Have fun and enjoy the journey!