University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Conversational jazz styles: Bill Evans and the drummers who shaped the music

Widenhofer, Marc Stephen

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/103558

Description

Title
Conversational jazz styles: Bill Evans and the drummers who shaped the music
Author(s)
Widenhofer, Marc Stephen
Issue Date
2019
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Spencer, Joel
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Spencer, Joel
Committee Member(s)
  • Gray, Lawrence
  • Solis, Gabriel
  • Stephens, John Chip
Department of Study
School of Music
Discipline
Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D. (doctoral)
Keyword(s)
  • conversational jazz
  • jazz drumming
  • Evans, Bill
  • Motian, Paul
  • Bunker, Larry
  • DeJohnette, Jack
  • Morell, Marty
  • LaBarbera, Joe
Language
en
Abstract
Bill Evans was one of the most influential pianists of the 20th century. From his 1956 record, New Jazz Conceptions, until his untimely death in 1980, Bill Evans led a trio that would defy the confines and roles of traditional piano trios. A wealth of studies and analysis examine the interplay between Evans and his various bassists; however, little research focuses on the drummers. Through transcriptions and analysis, I will articulate the accompaniment of the drummers who helped define this genre of jazz. In addition, I will discuss the musical language that existed in the collective improvisation of the Bill Evans Trio by drummers Paul Motian, Larry Bunker, Philly Joe Jones, Jack DeJohnette, Marty Morell, Eliot Zigmund, and Joe LaBarbera. I will analyze each drummer’s timekeeping, group improvisation, and musical interactions in relation to the bassist and pianist.
Type of Resource
  • text
  • image
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/103558
Copyright and License Information
© 2019 Marc Stephen Widenhofer

Owning Collections

Doctoral Project Papers [Option 3] - Music PRIMARY