General Music Distance e-learning Lesson 5

Part three of our unit on Jazz History will focus on Latin Jazz.

Latin Jazz has existed in various forms since the earliest days of jazz. It is most noticeably different from other forms of jazz we previously discussed in terms of its unique approach to the musical element of rhythm.

Here's an example of Latin Jazz from the Early Jazz era. W. C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues" features a tango section. Tango was a very popular song and dance form in the US 100 years ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkOcO5HXbk8

During the Swing era Duke Ellington's Orchestra (fancy name for a Big Band) was well known for exploring various latin rhythms in their music. "Caravan" might be the most famous of all Ellington compositions in a latin style.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkLBSLxo5LE

In the bebop era, Jazz musicians continued to mix latin rhythms into the most recent styles of jazz, even going as far as to imply Cuban influence and calling it cubop. Here's "Barbados" by Charlie Parker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0FJ1SdS-ts

From the West Coast Cool scene, we have "The Peanut Vendor" by the Stan Kenton Orchestra. While this song itself might not sound very "cool" or "smooth", it's a "cooler" approach to Latin Jazz arranged for a large jazz ensemble.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7h8_IWqtic

1960's landmark Sketches of Spain album by Miles Davis included this Latin Jazz gem, "The Pan Piper".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZZ8tZSY9Nk

After reading the paragraphs above and listening to the linked recordings please reply to my email and answer the following questions:

What are the names of some of the musicians you learned about in this lesson? (Extra credit if your answer is in order from the oldest era to the newest era.)

Which one of these recordings sounds strange to you?

How is the fourth recording different than the third recording?

Which sample recording did you like best?

Why did you like that one best?

This assignment is due Friday, May 8th.