[Dixielandjazz] Chordal & Melodic Improvisation

[briantowers]

I agree with Paul  that melody, harmony, rhythm and other factors rank ahead
of "improvisation" as elements of jazz.   Here is a simple test:

Louis Armstrong plays 'Cornet chop Suey" for the first time on Monday - jazz
OK?

He plays the same solo on Tuesday.  Now,  those that say improvisation is
what defines jazz would have to say that Louis' Tuesday version of "Cornet
Chop Suey" is not jazz, which I would consider to be nonsense!

Q.E.D.

Brian (this should get 'em going) Towers

----- Original Message -----
From: "Edgerton, Paul A" <paul.edgerton at eds.com>
To: <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2003 2:58 PM
Subject: RE: [Dixielandjazz] Chordal & Melodic Improvisation


> >Improvisation is what defines the music as jazz.
>
> So you say, and that's a common point of view.
>
> The elements of music are melody, harmony and rhythm. An improviser
> typically draws on all of these in shaping his solos, but often one
element
> will predominate. In my opinion, rhythm is king. It's rhythm that makes a
> thing recognizable as jazz, improvised or not.
>
> Paul Edgerton, who wonders, "Where does the time come from?"
>
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