The Influence of Jazz Harmony and Jazz Style

on Selected Bass Trombone Solo Literature

A Doctoral Presentation by Joel A. Keene

• Introduction
  • Historical Development
  • Blues Scale
  • Diminished Substitution
  • Trombone Techniques
• Bozza's New Orleans
  • Example 1 (1-2)
  • Example 2 (7-8)
  • Example 3 (15-29)
  • Example 4 (37-45)
  • Example 5 (57-69)
  • Example 6 (72-74)
  • Example 7 (79-91)
  • Example 8 (94-105)
  • Example 9 (109-123)
  • Lecture & Performance
• Wilder's Sonata
  • Example 1 (I, 1-9)
  • Example 2 (I, 63-66)
  • Example 3 (II, 1-7)
  • Example 4 (III, 1-9)
  • Example 5 (III, 44-58)
  • Example 6 (III, 67-75)
  • Example 7 (IV, 1-17)
  • Example 8 (V, 1-6)
  • Example 9 (V, 13-17)
  • Example 10 (V, 36-53)
  • Lecture & Performance
• Schnyder's subZERO
  • Example 1 (I, 1-12)
  • Example 2 (I, 13-24)
  • Example 3 (I, 86-93)
  • Example 4 (I, 238-245)
  • Example 5 (I, 306-312)
  • Example 6 (II, 1-16)
  • Example 7 (II, 40-47)
  • Example 8 (II, 75-78)
  • Example 9 (II, 99-105)
  • Example 10 (III, 1-9)
  • Example 11 (III, 15-30)
  • Example 12 (III, 31-43)
  • Example 13 (III, 61-69)
  • Example 14 (III, 77-83)
  • Lecture & Performance
• References
  • Published References
  • Online Links
  • Artist Profiles
    • Ben van Dijk
    • Christian Lindberg
    • George Roberts
    • Dave Taylor
    • Bart Varsalona
    • Charles Vernon

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Introduction

The development of the bass trombone, particularly with regard to solo literature, came relatively late in the history of instruments. Though the development of solo literature for this instrument and the birth and development of jazz occurring at the same time in history may be coincidental, the influence of one on the other is undeniable. Because of the large percentage of solo bass trombone literature that is influenced by jazz due to this coincidence, it is necessary that even a classically trained bass trombonist include jazz as a part of the study curriculum.

Method

In order to prove the influences of jazz on bass trombone literature, it was decided that the pieces chosen would be either from the library of standard bass trombone literature or would be an outstanding example for this topic. Then, the stylistic influences must be proved as being derived from the jazz idiom. The same must be shown true for any jazz harmonies discussed. For this, the following pieces were chosen:

• Eugène Bozza's New Orleans (composed 1962)
• Alec Wilder's Sonata for Bass Trombone and Piano (composed 1969)
• Daniel Schnyder's subZERO: Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra (composed 1999)

“Unless you’re into real intricate jazz or that type of thing but even then, I think, the great jazz players, the really good ones…Urbie, Watrous all have great sound.” -–George Roberts from an interview by Paul Hill

Historical Development of the Bass Trombone

• Use of full sections in Frescobaldi works, Wagner works created interest in other classical composers
• Use of instrument in big bands like Kenton Big Band proved the instrument’s versatility both as an ensemble necessity and a solo voice
• Attitude of bass trombonists: limited amount of work creates versatile, broad-studied performers
• Recording industry boosted the need for such a musician. These musicians helped to further elevate the instrument’s impact on modern music
• In 2006, there were four premieres of major trombone works. One of those works was Chick a' Bone Checkout written by Christian Lindberg for Charles Vernon.

“The premieres suggest that an instrument that has rarely been invited into the spotlight has finally hit the big time." --Daniel Wakin

• For more on the history of the bass trombone through its artists, please visit the Artist Profiles section.