JAZZ FUSION Beyond

5/3/12

Jazz Rock & JAZZ FUSION Beyond

WHEN LAST WE LEFT OUR HERO…

¡ In the 60s, Miles sees Jazz losing relevance § Rock and R&B are dominant among teens § The British Invasion (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones) § Motown & Stax § Folk Rock (Bob Dylan) § Adults like jazz, but new audiences are thinning ¡ In an effort to be modern, Miles’ will change Jazz yet again

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BITCHES BREW

¡ 1968: Miles’ new experiments § Added electric instruments to his band: bass, guitar, keyboards… § In a Silent Way becomes the first Fusion record § Rock riffs, straight feel, electric instruments § Fusion: Jazz mixed with another musical style ¡ 1969: Miles released Bitches Brew § Record that popularized Fusion § Funk & Rock “sketches”, assembled in studio ¡ A pop success ¡ Miles played Fusion for the rest of his life § Smooth Jazz developed from this

Life after MILES ALUMNI Miles Davis

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MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA

¡ Leader: John McLaughlin ¡ Style: Metal, Hendrix, Raga § Odd Meter (7/8, 9/8 and weirder) § Complex melodies § Fast & dynamic song structures ¡ Melodies played by a violinist ¡ Popular through 1973 ¡ Broke up in ‘73 and disappeared

RETURN TO FOREVER

¡ Leader: Chick Corea ¡ Style: World Music § Lighter texture (no bass) § Flute, wordless singing § Complex, jazz-like forms ¡ Less popular in the mainstream ¡ Traditional sound appealed to Jazz crowds

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WEATHER REPORT

¡ Leaders: Wayne Shorter & Joe Zawinul ¡ Style: Free, then 80s Pop § Odd song structures § Electronics ¡ 1976: Bassist Jaco Pastorius § Transformed the band, more funk, pop § His amazing technique reinvented the bass ¡ Major mainstream success in the 80’s

THE HEADHUNTERS

¡ Leader: Herbie Hancock ¡ Style: Funk § Electronic keyboards § Stevie Wonder & James Brown influences ¡ Massively popular § Crossed over with mainstream crowds § Often criticized for “selling out” ¡ Later career blended jazz & pop styles for great success

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