1. Elements from traditional African music, the marching band, spirituals, worksongs, and blues. Marching bands led to brass bands and eventually instrumental Ragtime bands like that of James Reese Europe (1881-1919) who made African American music popular in Europe {listen for om pah in bass and similarity of form)- CASTLE HOUSE RAG. Scott Joplin wrote a two Ragtime operas: A GUEST OF HONOR (1903) while living in St. Louis, but was never performed outside the state; and TREEMONISHA. COMPOSED BETWEEN 1905 & 1907 which, although a more promising work & in spite of the fact that Joplin labored until 1915 to get it produced, only gained an audition in Harlem before Joplin died in 1917 (video tape in library).

2. Dixieland freed some of the elements of ragtime by incorporating stylized improvisation where each instrument worked within strictly defined roles. TIGER RAG (PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND) Vocalists like Ma Rainey showed trumpeters like Louis Armstrong the way to freedom STYLISTICALLY from the straight syncopated melodies of ragtime with subtle phrasing, growls, and a greater range of expression GIMME A PIGFOOT (1936). TIGER RAG Louis Armstrong 1930s.

3. Pianists like Fats Waller and Count Basie additional found work as accompanists for silent movies where elements like the tremelo and mood changes begin to broaden the piano style that had been adapted from dance styles, marches, and music for the stage. Piano became a lead instrument with improved amplification & pianist often sang and entertained I'M GONNA SIT RIGHT DOWN & WRITE MYSELF A LETTER (Waller).

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Music 80E: History of "Jazz"
Posted 11/27/02