Compare and contrast Miles Davis’ “So What” with John Coltrane’s
“Impressions”,
Listen to each track repeatedly, perhaps 5 times for each track, noting the time in
minutes / seconds where specific events occur (such as entrances, back-ground figures, stop-time,
walking-bass, etc.). Discuss the musical elements that you think are the most significant.
Some possible items to discuss:
- How long do solos last (how many choruses)?
- Can you determine the form of the song (through listening, or from your notes, or online
resources)? - Describe the timbre of the soloist (what makes their sound unique or distinct).
- Are there lots of notes, or is there more space?
- Are the musical phrases long / short?
- What is distinct about the rhythmic phrasing? Does it feel like they are rushing forward, or
pulling back behind the beat?
