Overview: Week 11

This week, we will focus on Fusion and learn more about Post-bop instrumentalists.

Major jazz artists, like Herbie Hancock, started applying rock, funk, and latin rhythms to jazz in the 1960's. By the 70's, most young jazz players were very familiar with groups like the Beatles and music from Motown. First called Jazz-Rock then Fusion, it became evident that a new era was beginning, often including the use of electric instruments.

For many jazz players, the music of Miles Davis' Second Great Quintet was still the inspiration and guiding light for the creation of music that combined elements of Hard Bop, Modal Jazz and Free Form Jazz. We will focus on some Post-bop saxophonists.

Objectives

By the end of this week you will be able to...

• identify the primary music features of Fusion.
• name the most influential fusion bands.
• describe the style and contributions of Joe Henderson.

Weekly Schedule