The tone color of Al Blakey and the Jazz Messenger’s “Cranky Spanky” is complex, busy, and loud. The introduction is a unison of alto sax and trumpet without drums, bass or piano with a drum solo break before the first chorus. The rhythm is fast and the form is not like what you hear often in jazz music. The first chorus is a 16-bar theme statement with accompaniments from the piano comping, walking bass and high-hat cymbals that are closed sharply on every other beat. The ride rhythms are being played by a drumstick on a ride cymbal. Blakey is contributing ‘chattering’ sounds by striking the rim of his snare drum to increase the excitement. The second chorus repeats the main theme. There are 22 choruses in this selection. The third chorus presents an alto sax solo. The alto sax continues to play accompanied by Blakey through the seventh chorus. The eighth chorus features a solo trumpet improvisation and the trumpet continues to play through the fourteenth chorus with accompaniment by Blakey. The piano plays through the…show more content… C. (2012). Jazz styles: history and analysis. Boston: Pearson.
.:D. Your opinion: What is your SUBJECTIVE reaction to these selections? (Do you like one more than the other? Why? Based on what? Of what might they remind you?) (2 points)
--Answer below:
“No Figs” is probably the best example of cool jazz and “Cranky Spanky” is probably the best example of hard bop. I can appreciate both selections equally. It was necessary to listen to both selections multiple times and “Cranky Spanky” required much more concentration and more playback of the individual sections to appreciate the complexity of the arrangement. “Cranky Spanky” reminds me of being in a crowed place with a lot of people when you are in a hurry. ” While the second selection reminds me of being in a nice restaurant enjoying the food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Reference:
Gridley, M. C. (2012). Jazz styles: history and analysis. Boston:
