THE SPECIFICS OF PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS TREATMENT INTHE JAZZ MUSIC FROM THE 1950S

Abstract

In the center of the author’s attention are the percussion instruments of jazz origin from the 1950s. The purpose of the paper consists in the analysis of the interpretative features developed within two main currents of jazz from this period, namely: West Coast Jazz and East Coast Jazz. The stylistic specificity of the cool style drummers stands out through the restrained way of expression – both in the accompanying and solo fragments. C. Hamilton was one of the first modern drummers who had the courage to abandon the jazz rhythms of the classical period. The performer created distinctive and memorable rhythmic patterns, later using them as accompaniment. Instead of using ride cymbals and high-hats in the accompaniment, C. Hamilton implemented the snare drum or tom-tom as the main voice. Therefore, each piece had individualized rhythmic patterns and its own coloring. The main style of East Coast jazz was hard bop, represented by great drummers such as Philly Joe Jones, Roy Brooks, Louis Hayes, Art Taylor, Roy Haynes, Roger Humphries, Elvin Jones, Lex Humphries, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Mickey Roker, Ben Riley, Jimmy Cobb, Frankie Dunlop, Billy Higgins.

Keywords

• jazz
• percussion
• west coast jazz
• east coast jazz
• cool
• hard bop
• performance