Jazz Jeopardy

Jazz Theory

100

This 6 note scale is commonly used to improvise over a 12 bar blues progression. 

The Blues Scale

200

These 3 notes form the foundation of a chord and determine whether the chord is major, minor, or diminished.

Root (1), third (3), and fifth (5) 

300

A type of 7th chord built from a major triad and a minor 7th. Commonly found on the V chord.

Dominant 7th Chord (Major Minor 7th chord)

400

The second mode with the pattern: W-H-W-W-W-H-W

Ex. C major starting on D 

Dorian

500

List all of the notes in a Gm9 from root up.

G-Bb-D-F-A

Jazz Legends

100

This famous trumpet player was born in New Orleans and began his career playing with the King Oliver Creole Jazz Band. Major figure in the swing era and well known for his iconic singing voice. 

Louis Armstrong

200

This famous bandleader, pianist, and composer helped define the big band sound of the 30's and 40's. He was the first African American to earn a Grammy Award and totaled 9 by the end of his career. 

Count Basie

300

Prolific composer and arranger who joined Duke Ellington in 1938. One of his most famous tunes, "Take the A Train" was written while he was on his way to meet Ellington in Harlem and was inspired by the directions Ellington gave to get there.

Billy Strayhorn

400

Considered one of the finest jazz trombonists of all time. Played with many of the jazz greats including. Benny Carter, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. Known for incorporating the speed and technicality of Bebop into his playing on the trombone. Notable recording: Benny Carter's Love for Sale

J.J. Johnson

500

Key figure in bebop, modal, fusion, and cool jazz. Known for his collaborations with musicians such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and John Coltrane.

Notable Albums: Kind of Blue, Milestones, Birth of Cool

Miles Davis

Jazz Standards

100

Composed in 1942 by Duke Ellington. As indicated by the title, the piece is a 12 bar blues in C major. The whole melody can be played in 2 notes. 

C Jam Blues

200

This modal jazz piece is the first track on Miles Davis' 1959 album, Kind of Blue. 32 bar format in AABA form. 16 bars of D dorian 8 bars of Eb dorian and 8 more bars of D dorian. 

So What

300

This 24 bar form piece is one of the few swing standards written in 5/4. Written by Paul Desmond in 1959, this piece is instantly recognizable and was originally recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. 

Take 5

400

Written for the Herbie Hancock's debut album as a bandleader Takin' Off (1962). It was also recorded in 1963 by Mongo Santamaría and his band with a latin spin to it. Hancock also recorded it in a fusion style in 1973 for the album Head Hunters.

Watermelon Man

500

Title track on an album released by John Coltrane in 1960. Features rapid changes between 3 keys - B, G and Eb Major. Chord changes have come to be known as the Coltrane changes.

Giant Steps

Styles

100

Characterized by uneven 8th notes with an accent on the weak beat, clear and simple melodies, and emphasis on 2 and 4. Commonly performed in a big band setting.

Swing

200

Combines elements of jazz with those of rock, funk, R&B, hip-hop, or electronic music. Popular in the 60's and 70's.

Jazz Fusion

300

Fast tempos, complex harmonies, and intricate melodies. Usually performed in smaller ensembles and encouraged complex and technically difficulty improvisation.

Bebop

400

Harmony changes slowly. Frequently relies on only one or two scales for improvisation rather than harmonic development.

Modal Jazz

500

Straight 8th notes with smooth and syncopated melodies with complex harmonies. Derived from the Samba.

Bossa Nova