Postbop Jazz in the 1960s: The Compositions of Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea

Postbop jazz composers of the 1960s, such as Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea, broke with earlier tonal jazz traditions by using new harmonies, forms, and melodies in their compositions. This book provides analytical pathways through several compositions to understand their harmonic syntax, melodic and formal designs, and general principles of harmonic substitution. It illustrates the syntactic changes that emerged during the 1960s.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In the vibrant realm of postbop jazz compositions, the 1960s witnessed a remarkable transformation that encompassed various dimensions, including harmony, form, and melody. Renowned postbop jazz composers like Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea boldly departed from the traditional tonal jazz conventions of their predecessors. Their compositions marked a significant shift from the techniques and frameworks that defined small-group repertory throughout the 1950s, including single-key orientation, schematic 32-bar frameworks (in AABA or ABAC forms), and tonal harmonic progressions.

To delve deeper into the intricacies of these compositions, the book presents analytical pathways through a diverse range of pieces. These include El Gaucho by Shorter, Penelope by Hancock, Pinocchio by Corea, Face of the Deep by Shorter, King Cobra by Hancock, Dolphin Dance by Hancock, Jessica by Hancock, Windows by Corea, Inner Space by Corea, Song of the Wind by Corea, We Speak by Little, Punjab by Henderson, and Beyond All Limits by Shaw. Through these case studies, readers gain valuable insights into the harmonic syntax, melodic and formal designs, and overarching principles of harmonic substitution employed by these composers.

By meticulously examining the points of contact among these postbop techniques and tracing their evolution from previous tonal jazz practices, the book vividly illustrates the syntactic changes that emerged during the 1960s. It serves as a valuable resource for music enthusiasts, scholars, and students seeking to understand the rich tapestry of postbop jazz and its profound impact on the evolution of jazz music.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190604578