The Performers:

Steven Snyder - piano
Martin Banks - trumpet
Brannen Temple - drums
Michael Stevens -- bass

*  *  *   This is by no means a complete, comprehensive demonstration of all jazz music. There are many different styles and approaches to jazz that vary from region to region. This is merely an introduction to some of the basic components of jazz as we know it today.*  *  *  

Vocabulary Reference List:

"the head" - slang for the melody of a song (the part that is sung or played by the lead instrument)

changes -- referring to the "chord" changes. Chords are groups of notes played simultaneously. You most often hear them being played by the piano or guitar in jazz music

improvisation - making it up on the spot; playing something not written, or even necessarily thought about beforehand; spontaneous composition.

"comping" - short for "accompanying." Rhythmic accompaniment that can be heard on the piano or guitar (or the snare drum), played behind (more quietly than) the melody or solo.

The Blues -- is a type of music that was originated by African Americans in the United States in the early 1900's. Music recording was relatively new, and very expensive in those days, so much of the early history of the blues is undocumented (not written down or recorded). However, we know that it evolved from the long standing tradition of African American work songs. The Blues is arguably the most influential music of the 20th century, forming the basis for rock-n-roll, country, jazz, funk, R&B, hip-hop, and many other forms of music today. Some of the pioneers of the blues include Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Big Bill Broonzy, Henry Leadbetter ("Leadbelly"), and others.

Bebop -- is a type of jazz that became popular in the 1930's and 40's. It is known for its fast, almost frantic, longer melodies and hard swing. Artists that made it popular include Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, and others.

I. Instrumental Roles

A.) Bass (also called "upright bass", "double bass", "stand-up bass", or "string bass")
  1.) plays a "walking" bass line consisting mainly of straight quarter notes
  2.) plays in the scales that correspond to the chords being played

B.) Drums (also called "drum kit," or "trap set")
  1.) the ride cymbal plays the "swing pattern"
    a.)the swing feel
  2.) the hi-hat plays on beats 2 and 4
  3.) the snare drum plays an improvised pattern called "comping"

*  *  *  SONG*  *  *  
"Blue Monk" by Thelonius Monk

C.) Piano
  1.) chords
    a.) improvised comping - interaction with the drums

D.) Trumpet
  1.) Melody
    a.) swing vs. straight
    b.) improvising with the melody
    c.) soloing over the changes

*  *  *  SONG*  *  *  

II. Styles

A.)Blues
  1.) "call and response"
  2.) three phrase mode
    a.)first phrase repeated twice, then answered by third phrase
    b.) twelve bar blues (also called 1-4-5)

B.)Bebop (head with same changes)
  1.)Rhythm Changes
C.)Funk/Hip-hop (time permitting)

Steven Snyder is a professor of Jazz Appreciation at the University of Texas, and is currently working on his D.M.A. in music there as well. He has played with such noted performers as Wynton Marsalis and Randy Brecker, and can be seen around town playing with The Brannen Temple Group, and the Apex Quintet.

Martin Banks is a true Austin legend, with over 50 years of experience playing the trumpet. He has played with countless jazz and R&B greats such as Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and James Brown. He can be seen in Austin playing with such groups as the Texas Trumpets, The Jazz Pharaohs, and many others.

Brannen Temple is a Reagan High graduate, who has gone on to play with countless stars like Chaka Khan, Sheena Easton, and Robin Ford. Locally, you can find him playing with such groups as: Hot Buttered Rhythm, Blaze, and The Brannen Temple Group.