Category: Jazz

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?

1. Who were the important women of jazz who made significant contributions to jazz before 1950? Indicate their specialties (trumpeter, vocalist, bandleader, composer, etc.) and the bands and/or musicians with whom they were associated. Discuss the obstacles women had to overcome to become part of the jazz world and how sexism impacted jazz at the time. Use specific examples.

The research paper must be minimum of 1800 to 2200 word long each paper (double spaced) not including the citations and bibliography. You must consult at least three outside academic sources for each research paper. Non academic sources (non-peer reviewed sources, wikipedia, etc.) cannot be used. You must use appropriate citations and itemize all outside sources used in footnotes and bibliography pages added to your research paper. You may choose one from MLA, Chicago (Turabian), and APA styles. Your textbook is not an outside source, but may be consulted as well.