Jazz as process: Developing artistic practice as a composer/player/leader in a small jazz ensemble
Alfredo Lopes
Abstract
This practice based research paper is an enquiry into the music making process as a composer, performer and leader in a small jazz ensemble, to determine what processes, attitudes, compositional, rehearsal and performance techniques and strategies create an efficacy in transferring the score to performance. I will unpack the suppositions and methods contained in the creative act of small jazz ensemble composition within, during and by way of my artistic practice, involving the interrelationships between the composer’s intention and the musicians' interpretation of a musical score. Therefore, for this research project I am composing new musical material as templates for scrutinizing my primary question: How do the processes involved in the composition, development, absorption, interpretation and transferral of musical material from the score to the performance contribute to the development of artistic practice as a composer/player/leader of a small jazz ensemble?
This doctoral study involved the writing, performing and recording of ten original compositions in a small jazz ensemble context. These compositions of different musical influences and creative strategies, provided material for templates within the genre of jazz improvisation. The project is documented as a collection of audio/video recordings formed from studio and public performances (including rehearsals) and scores, and is supported by an exegesis encompassing reflexive observations, and analyses through the gathering of data informally as a participant/observer. The creative process in the writing, rehearsal and performance of compositions is defined, explained and demonstrated in a development of artistic practice.
This doctoral study involved the writing, performing and recording of ten original compositions in a small jazz ensemble context. These compositions of different musical influences and creative strategies, provided material for templates within the genre of jazz improvisation. The project is documented as a collection of audio/video recordings formed from studio and public performances (including rehearsals) and scores, and is supported by an exegesis encompassing reflexive observations, and analyses through the gathering of data informally as a participant/observer. The creative process in the writing, rehearsal and performance of compositions is defined, explained and demonstrated in a development of artistic practice.
