University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Narratives and creative humility in the composition and performance practices of Ambrose Akinmusire

Devey, Eric

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/123172

Description

Title
Narratives and creative humility in the composition and performance practices of Ambrose Akinmusire
Author(s)
Devey, Eric
Issue Date
2024
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
  • Gray, Lawrence
  • Carrillo, Tito
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Gray, Lawrence
Committee Member(s)
  • Magee, Gayle Sherwood
  • Gilreath, Amy
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)
  • Ambrose Akinmusire
  • Narratives
  • Roscoe Mitchell
  • Steve Coleman
  • Trumpet
  • Jazz
  • Avant-Garde
  • Voice Leading
Language
eng
Abstract
Ambrose Akinmusire is an American trumpeter and composer best known for his solo albums. He is often associated with improvised music and the jazz avant garde due to composition and performance practices such as blurring of soloist-accompanist roles, through-composition, heavy harmonic dissonance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These practices are products of his efforts to limit resistance to inspiration. This document analyzes recordings and interviews to explore Akinmusire’s creative priority of composing and performing with as little resistance to inspiration as possible. Following preliminary research, the project began with an interview of Akinmusire to learn about his creative priorities and process. Many of his responses are rooted in ideas about humility and submission to a spiritual higher power. He believes that the self, or ego, contribute to resistance. Based on his interview responses, seven recordings spanning five albums were chosen to transcribe and analyze. “J.E. Nilmah (Ecclesiastes 6:10)” and “Bubbles (John William Sublett)” were chosen at his specific recommendation. Each piece is a strong demonstration of the tools used to implement his priorities. Chief among the tools is composing with narratives. Other tools discussed are voice-leading in place of chord symbols, infusing and diffusing musical elements, and Roscoe Mitchell’s concept of opposites.
Type of Resource
text
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2024 Eric Devey

Owning Collections

Doctoral Project Theses [Option 2] - Music PRIMARY