Cool Jazz (1950’s-60’s), sometimes called West Coast Jazz since it came to be played there most successfully, was a reaction to Bebop, just as Bebop had been a reaction to Swing. Cool Jazz is so named because of what sounds like a very laid-back style, especially in comparison to Bebop which can sound frantic and keyed-up.
Cool Jazz (1950’s-60’s) comes from two basic sources. First, Lester Young, so pivotal in the founding of Bebop, was also influential in the development of Cool style. Young’s style of sax playing used complex melodies, as in Bebop, but it was done at a much less frenetic tempo (perhaps this is why he disassociated himself with Bebop). The other influence was the sound of Claude Thornhill’s orchestra whose horns played without vibrato. Thornhill also introduced classical instruments such as French horns which gave his arrangements a sombre and sonorous tone.
General Characteristics
- single notes held for a long time (as opposed to Bebop in which the notes are very short and staccato)
- light and airy; laid-back, unemotional, and musically subdued
- highly organized
- contains short solos
- inspired by Classical music (especially the Baroque style)
- hub was Los Angeles and was played primarily by white musicians
- deliberate, careful playing (even using seemingly plotted out solos)
- music for listening, not dancing
Miles Davis is generally considered the most prominent Cool Jazz musician. A trumpeter in the tradition of the greats before him such as Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie, he is often compared to pianist and band leader Duke Ellington for being an innovator and for being able to gather great musicians around him and allowing them space to work.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLzqjmoZZAc[/youtube]
Boplicity, composed by Miles Davis
Kathy’s Waltz, by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Musicians Associated with Cool Jazz
Dave Brubeck; piano, band leader
Miles Davis; trumpet, composer, band leader
Paul Desmond; alto sax, composer
Gerry Mulligan; baritone sax, composer/arranger
Chet Baker, trumpet
Mel Lewis, drums
Shelly Manne, drums