[Dixielandjazz] Odd meters

[macjazz]

About as far from OKOM as you can get, but if you are truly interested in
odd meters, go find some Don Ellis big band albums.

Best for the genre' is probably Pacific Jazz ST 20123 (sorry, I work in Lps,
not CDs)  THE DON ELLIS ORCH LIVE IN 3 & 2/3 over 4 time.

It includes BARNUM'S REVENGE, which is basically Won't you come home Bill
Bailey in 7/4 (3-2-2) with a couple of 3/4 measures for good luck.  Liner
notes "guarantee you that this is the only Dixieland you will find anywhere
in the world in 7/4 time."

UPSTART is the selection in 3 and 2/3 over 4 time (11/8).

ORIENTATION is listed in 7/8 plus 9/8 (or 16) divided 3-2-2, 3-2-2-2 etc.

There are several other albums almost all of which have expanded meters. The
band played so much in odd meters that when something did come up in 4/4 Don
explained it as 5/4 minus 1.)

The albums are all from the 60/70's. (He died in 1978) and are somewhat
collectible but can usually be found on Ebay at reasonable prices.

Ellis also did some stuff with microtones, inventing a quarter tone trumpet
that was actually manufactured by ?? (Getzen?) and use of things like a ring
modulator etc.  He got a Grammy award in 1977 for the score for the movie
The French Connection.

As noted, he is about as far from OKOM as possible, but it does swing.

Mart

Martin D. McKay, Designated Listener