Description
Presentation at Jazz Futures Amsterdam 2025, congress organized by Rhythm Changes in partnership with Conservatorium van AmsterdamUniversity of Music and Performing Arts Graz
Birmingham City University
Universiteit van Amsterdam
IMPRODECO
Abstract:
DIRECTION AS A DEVICE IN IMPROVISATION
ON DOUBLE BASS
Freedom through Herbie Hancock’s horizontal approach
The predominant educational approach in improvisation over standards is vertical, in that it is mostly about direct relations between what is being played, and the harmony at that moment, while it is a horizontal approach that enables the soloist to create a compelling narrative and move the listener. Due to the nature of the function of the instrument, this approach is especially noticeable in improvisations on double bass.
Analysis, with a horizontal approach in mind, of improvisations of pianist Herbie Hancock over standards, brings to light that not everything he plays could or should be related to the direct harmonical environment. Simultaneously, in linear movement and vertical progression, different rules can apply. I was able to outline an open system of ten cooperating directives with regards to displacement of harmonic regions, inclusion of remotely related regions, and the organization of pitches within regions.
When analyzing, these directives can shed light on elements of improvisation that otherwise remain obscured or are hard to explain using conventional methods, like the ABC’s. In practical application, these directives allow for the use of direction as a device, and will enable improvisors to discern preceding and ensuing relations as well as relations with more remote tonal regions, thus overcoming the limitations presented by a strictly vertical approach.
Despite these directives being derived from improvisations on piano, they can be applied on any instrument, as I will demonstrate with an analysis of my own practice on double bass.
| Periode | 29 aug. 2025 |
|---|---|
| Gehouden op | Rhythm Changes, Netherlands |