Angus Tang

JAZZ 370 – Jazz Styles

September 23, 2015

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Cannonball Adderley
Listening Log #1

In this track, from the album “Cannonball Adderley’s Fiddler on the Roof”,

Adderley blows on the opening theme from the musical Fiddler on the Roof. He plays

alongside his brother, Nat Adderley, on the cornet, Charles Lloyd on the tenor

saxophone, Joe Zawinul on the piano, Sam Jones on the bass, and Louis Hayes on the

drums. It was recorded in October 1964, and released later that year, through

Capitol Records.

The piece begins with drums and bass, with the tom-tom and bass playing a

rhythm in unison. Cannonball then comes in with the melody while the rhythm

continues. The piano then enters underneath with a countermelody, contrasting

against the melody. The 3 horns and piano then take turns soloing, returning back to

the melody with Cannonball and ending how it started: with the drum and bass beat.

Between each head and solo, the horns play a written interlude.

As I have watched Fiddler on the Roof before, the tune was a very interesting

take on a familiar melody. Personally, I enjoyed the syncopated rhythms and

contrasting layers. I also thought that it was very fascinating that Cannonball would

have a whole album of tunes from the musical, demonstrating that even though they

were jazz musicians, it wasn't all they listened to, and that they could take other

musical styles and make it their own. Additionally, although the chord structure is

very simple, and everyone is basing their solos off of one scale, they all use it

creatively and in their own style.

 Angus Tang
JAZZ 370 – Jazz Styles
September 23, 2015

HEIGH-HO (THE DWARFS’ MARCHING SONG)

Dave Brubeck Quartet
Listening Log #2

This track comes from the album Dave Digs Disney, which includes jazz

arrangements of songs from several Disney films, including, Alice in Wonderland,

Pinocchio, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Cinderella. This particular song

comes from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The album features the Dave Brubeck

Quartet, which is consisted of Dave Brubeck on the piano, Paul Desmond on the alto

saxophone, Joe Morello on the drums, and Norman Bates on the bass. It was

recorded and released in 1957 through Columbia Records.

The tune begins with Brubeck playing the melody while harmonizing with

block chords. Paul Desmond then takes a solo, while Brubeck and Morello follow

after. Brubeck then returns back with the melody.

While listening to this track, what really struck me was how connected and

in-sync the whole group was.

 Angus Tang
JAZZ 370 – Jazz Styles
September 23, 2015
 Angus Tang
JAZZ 370 – Jazz Styles
September 23, 2015

THELONIUS MONK - (I DON'T STAND) A GHOST OF A CHANCE (WITH YOU)