Describe the melody of the piece. Which instruments played it? What were your impressions of it? Describe how the rhythm section played for each piece, and compare/contrast how they approached one song differently from another. What was the bassist doing? What was the drummer doing? What was the pianist or guitarist doing?

Jazz Performance Report Assignment

For this assignment, you will need to plan ahead. You must attend a jazz performance during the semester in which you are taking this course, and write a report on it. Blues, rock, country, classical, or any other styles of music are not accepted. Video or live streaming is also not accepted. This assignment is due a few weeks before the end of the semester (before Thanksgiving break for fall semester courses), and the exact due date can be found under “Deadlines” in the “Course Information” section.

To assist you, links to jazz concerts and club dates in the area will be included in the “Course Information” section as the class progresses, but you may attend any other appropriate jazz performance as well. For instance, if you have an opportunity to hear a world-class jazz performance at a venue such as the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, the Bistro in St. Louis, or the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, then I would highly recommend it.

Essential Requirements

You must attend a jazz performance during the semester in which you are taking this course. Video or live streaming is not accepted. Date, time location/venue, and a web link to public documentation of the event must be included in the report.
The performance must be jazz. Blues, rock, country, classical, or any other styles of music are not accepted. If you are in doubt of whether or not the performance is jazz, feel free to check with me ahead of time.
The concert must be performed by a group of musicians – at least three in the ensemble, who play different instruments, which may also include vocals. Solo or duo performances are not accepted since there is not enough variety in the instruments used. The performers must be at least at the high school level and preferably beyond. Middle school/junior high-level performances are not accepted.
The report must be authentic, and the facts of the performance, date, time, and venue must be 100% accurate. Any report containing false or misleading information, or that appears to be identical to or based on someone else’s work (plagiarized) is unacceptable and will receive a ZERO. See ACADEMIC INTEGRITY in the syllabus for details.

The Report

Write a report of at least two pages (600 words), giving a review of the performance you attended. If it is a jazz concert, then you must attend the entire performance. If it is a jazz club date, then you must stay for at least one set (or about one hour). The introductory paragraph must contain the following information:

Date, time, and the location/name of the venue at which the performance was held. If the performance was not an Illinois State University event, a web link to public documentation of the event must be included.
Who performed (list the names and instruments of all the musicians).
The pieces that were performed.
In the body of the report, analyze at least three (3) of the pieces that were performed. The analysis of each piece should be one paragraph long (or longer if necessary). For each piece, discuss any or all of the following:

What was the style of the piece? As best you can, identify the genre or genres (e.g., cool jazz, bebop, etc.)
Identify the form of the piece, and describe the sections. Who played the melodies?
Describe the melody of the piece. Which instruments played it? What were your impressions of it?
Describe how the rhythm section played for each piece, and compare/contrast how they approached one song differently from another. What was the bassist doing? What was the drummer doing? What was the pianist or guitarist doing?
Which instruments had solos? Provide some detail here, for example, whether or not the soloists interacted with the ensemble or other musicians, how long the solos lasted, whether you liked them, etc.
Did the piece feature improvisation? If so, was it collective or solo improvisation? Which instruments participated in the improvisation?
What was your impression of this piece overall? Did you have a favorite section?

In the concluding paragraph(s), discuss the following:

Your overall impressions of the performance. Did a particular piece stand out? Did you have a favorite soloist? Would you want to see these particular jazz musicians perform again?
Describe the audience as a whole, and the typical audience member. What was the audience’s reaction to the concert? Were they more interested in the performers or the music? Did the performers “connect” with the audience in some way that seemed appropriate for the style of music?

Tips

Be on time to the performance.
Bring a notepad and a pen to take down notes.
If the performers introduce their pieces, take note of what they say. If you can, talk to the performers afterward. Use their perspectives in your report.
Write this report as soon as you can after seeing the performance so that it stays fresh in your mind.
Be sure to keep a backup of your report in the event that you need to resubmit it for any reason.

Jazz Concert Etiquette

If you attend a jazz concert in a more formal setting such as at ISU’s Kemp Recital Hall or Center for the Performing Arts, please keep in mind the following:

Refrain from talking during each piece.
Turn off cell phones, refrain from using other electronic devices, and do not use flash photography.
Do not put your feet up on other seats in the auditorium.
During jazz concerts, it is appropriate to applaud after someone’s solo, as well as after the song is completed.
Remain seated during the performance. Enter and exit your seat only between selections. If it is necessary to leave the room or return during the recital, wait quietly at the back of the room until the end of the particular selection. If possible however, wait until the audience is applauding before moving.

YouTube Performance Exception

Attending a live performance is definitely the best option for a variety of reasons, but in the event this is not possible due to unpredictable circumstances, you will be allowed to choose one of the approved YouTube concert videos listed in the assignment itself as a substitute for a live performance. Failure to follow the YouTube requirement below, plus all other essential requirements above will result in a ZERO for the assignment, and it cannot be redone. An appropriate live performance is of course still accepted as long as it meets all of the essential requirements listed above.

YouTube Requirement:

The YouTube concert MUST be chosen from the approved performances below. Failure to do so will result in a ZERO for the report. Failure to follow all other essential requirements above will also result in a ZERO, and the assignment cannot be redone. Songs and personnel are often listed in the video description, but sometimes you will need to watch for credits listed somewhere in the video, or scroll through the comments. Also, be sure to include the link in your report.

Hard Bop

Cannonball Adderley Sextet/ Live on “JAZZ625″1964.5.12.