Contemporary Jazz Study Guide
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It was “supergroup for a day” when keyboardist George Duke, guitarist Lee Ritenour and bassist Marcus Miller – backed by legendary session drummer Vinnie Colaiuta – joined forces on the LEGENDS OF JAZZ soundstage and proceeded to demonstrate the power and beauty of contemporary jazz with a dazzling ensemble display of musicianship. Unlike most of the other episodes that tend to feature each artist in a solo performance with an outstanding rhythm section, this episode shines the musical spotlight on each artist as an integral part of a “super-trio” playing their own compositions including “It’s On” (George Duke), “Wes Bound” (Lee Ritenour), and “The Panther” (Marcus Miller). Click here to learn more about these great artists and explore our educational activities and resources.
1 - Contemporary Jazz LegendsThe arrival of contemporary jazz came about through a progression and amalgamation of important musical styles including funky, soulful jazz, and a wonderful new style of music called fusion. Fusion was a fitting term for this style as it blended elements of jazz with the new popular music we know as rock and roll. The early journey toward contemporary jazz began in the late 1950s and ‘60s with the trendsetting music of jazz luminaries Horace Silver, Cannonball Adderley, The Crusaders, and Ramsey Lewis. |
2 - George DukeAll about George Duke |
3 - Marcus MillerAll about Marcus Miller |
4 - Lee RitenourAll About Lee Ritenour |
5 - Guests' Media-ographyDiscography, Bibliography, and Videography |
6 - The Contemporary Jazz QuizAfter you view the Contemporary Jazz episode, click here to take the quiz. |
7- Quiz AnswersAnswers to the Questions |
