1
The Bebop Era

• MUH 271

2
Bebop

• a most inadequate word that throws up its
  hands in clownish self-deprecation before all the
  complexity of sound and rhythm and self-assertive
  passion which it pretends to name. (Ralph
  Ellison)

3
Bebop

• The beginning of Modern Jazz Era
• Part of the training of jazz musicians.
• The Canon of Bebop continues to be relevant.
• Significant performers continue to use Bebops
  musical language.
• The move from a popular music to an art music.

4
The Architects of Bebop

• Charlie Parker
• Dizzy Gillespie
• Thelonious Monk
• Kenny Clarke
• Bud Powell

5
General Style Characteristics

• Focus on individual musicians technique and
  ability to improvise.
• Smaller combos (4-5 pieces) more typical
  (possibly patterned after jam sessions in Kansas
  City and elsewhere).
• Simpler arrangements of songs (intro/melody/solos/
  melody/ending).
• The blues (AAB) and 32-bar standard song form
  (AABA) were popular.
• More complicated harmonies
• Extensions and alterations to chords.
• Chord progression increases in complexity.
• Tempos faster and/or slower that Swing Era
  performances.
• Disjunct, not easily singable melodies
  asymmetrical phrases.

6
AFM Recording Ban

• Musicians Union called for a ban on recording
  beginning Aug. 1942.
• Musicians not paid for jukebox or radio play.
• V Discs were exempt.
• Capitol and Decca signed within a year, but
  Victor and Columbia held out for another year.
• Enabled the rise of several smaller labels.
• The beginnings of bebop not documented on
  recordings.