Short listening assignment format

One O’clock Jump by Count Basie and his orchestra For my assignment, I have chosen One O’clock Jump by Count Basie and his orchestra. It is a mix of Kansas City Jazz style and swing music (Styles of Jazz Music). The instruments used in the video are piano, bass, drums, saxophone, trumpets and trombone.
This song is an excellent example of complex riff style in which certain phrases are repeated by sections and it is memorized and not written down. Therefore it is known as head riff.
The role of piano in the video is to provide the lead. The pianist starts playing the keys setting the groove and the tone for the music piece. The bass comps at a low pitch. The technique used is that of slap on the headpiece. The drums keep the pace or groove for the performers and also play the important role of fillers in and out of time.
The soloists follow the order of the piano first, then the saxophone which is interrupted by the trombone and drums and then continued till trumpeter takes over. The chorus sequence at the end is beautiful not just melodiously but also visually since the musicians move their heads to match the music and add to the amusement and joy of the listeners.
The soloist I most preferred is the saxophone since it was a long piece. It started at a low range of tone with beautiful riffing technique and paved the pitch for the other soloists to showcase their pieces. The slightly low range of tones in the second set of repeats is offset by the high pitched trumpets after it. It was a very successful solo.
All in all the entire song evoked happiness in me. The quick paced rhythm almost resembles swing music and I felt like dancing to the tune. The melody of the chorus was pleasing as was the solo performances of the musicians. This is definitely one of those songs one can’t easily forget.
Reference:
“ Styles of Jazz Music.” Jazz style evolution to true art form. 2011.