Abstract
Aims
'Ginger’s Hollow' investigates the vertical implementation of improvisatory decision-making processes, following on from my previous REF2021 output For the Record.
It presents evidence, through transcription, highlighting the cumulation of auto-generative musical ideas, proposing a methodology for improvisatory decision-making in jazz.
Context and Methodology
I have isolated tension devices: angularity, harmonic substitution, dynamic contouring and motivic development of rhythmic structures, designed exercises to expand command of newly developed musical language, and integrated approach-phrases to target tone concepts into my musical strategy. Tonality exercises (Riposo, 2009; Barry, et al., 2002, Bottini 2018) have expanded instrumental facilitation, generating integrated complex phrasing embodying these devices.
Findings
Transcriptions highlighted the enactment of narrative-based complex musical systems integrated with practised musical pathways. I interrogated harmonic and rhythmic patterns, (Jagannathan and Chandrasekaran, 2022) via this model. Isolating outcomes and designing unique exercises while performing extensively, has enabled the broadening of options available during musical decision-making.
Deployed musical statements partner intent, articulation, intervallic variation, dynamic contouring, approach-phrase structure, much as in new linguistic pathways, (Washor, Boldt, 2023; Cahn, 2008). Evidence is found in ‘Shinebox bars 5-16’- motivic development, strong chord-tone language, intervallic phrases, angular motivic 4ths patterns, rhythmic displacement and dynamic contour reinforcing resolution; significant evidence of chunking - multiple musicological decisions happening simultaneously, (Wheatley, SE 1991). ‘Lost in the Crowd’, bars 13-24 (quaver off-beat pattern) sees the intervallic idea leading to altered substitution, then resolution, closing the musical phrase.
‘Ginger’s Hollow’, bars 5-21, demonstrates strong inside-harmony, intervallic patterns, rests corresponding to musical sentences; ‘Shinebox’, bars 13-15, also exhibits strong inside-harmony closing a musical sentence with angular motivic 4ths patterns, rhythmic displacement and dynamic contours reinforcing resolution.
Dissemination
Ginger’s Hollow - recorded May 2022 - Adam Nussbaum (drums), Mark Egan (bass), Cian Boylan (piano), Derek O’Connor (sax), released on Whirlwind (UK), May 2023, toured extensively in UK/Ireland.
'Ginger’s Hollow' investigates the vertical implementation of improvisatory decision-making processes, following on from my previous REF2021 output For the Record.
It presents evidence, through transcription, highlighting the cumulation of auto-generative musical ideas, proposing a methodology for improvisatory decision-making in jazz.
Context and Methodology
I have isolated tension devices: angularity, harmonic substitution, dynamic contouring and motivic development of rhythmic structures, designed exercises to expand command of newly developed musical language, and integrated approach-phrases to target tone concepts into my musical strategy. Tonality exercises (Riposo, 2009; Barry, et al., 2002, Bottini 2018) have expanded instrumental facilitation, generating integrated complex phrasing embodying these devices.
Findings
Transcriptions highlighted the enactment of narrative-based complex musical systems integrated with practised musical pathways. I interrogated harmonic and rhythmic patterns, (Jagannathan and Chandrasekaran, 2022) via this model. Isolating outcomes and designing unique exercises while performing extensively, has enabled the broadening of options available during musical decision-making.
Deployed musical statements partner intent, articulation, intervallic variation, dynamic contouring, approach-phrase structure, much as in new linguistic pathways, (Washor, Boldt, 2023; Cahn, 2008). Evidence is found in ‘Shinebox bars 5-16’- motivic development, strong chord-tone language, intervallic phrases, angular motivic 4ths patterns, rhythmic displacement and dynamic contour reinforcing resolution; significant evidence of chunking - multiple musicological decisions happening simultaneously, (Wheatley, SE 1991). ‘Lost in the Crowd’, bars 13-24 (quaver off-beat pattern) sees the intervallic idea leading to altered substitution, then resolution, closing the musical phrase.
‘Ginger’s Hollow’, bars 5-21, demonstrates strong inside-harmony, intervallic patterns, rests corresponding to musical sentences; ‘Shinebox’, bars 13-15, also exhibits strong inside-harmony closing a musical sentence with angular motivic 4ths patterns, rhythmic displacement and dynamic contours reinforcing resolution.
Dissemination
Ginger’s Hollow - recorded May 2022 - Adam Nussbaum (drums), Mark Egan (bass), Cian Boylan (piano), Derek O’Connor (sax), released on Whirlwind (UK), May 2023, toured extensively in UK/Ireland.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Whirlwind Recordings |
| Size | 8 tracks |
| Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 2023 |
