improvisatory styles and musical philosophies of Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke

Choose one of the following topics from the list below and write a paper strictly adhering to the parameters of the topic. A bibliography of at least four sources. You may not use Wikipedia articles or About.com for this assignment. Use the songs from the list attached (file attached) as examples incorporated in the essay.

(Note: use only the songs that are appropriate to the topic you choose as the list is exhaustive and includes names that are not related to the musicians in the topics below. For example if picking topic on Miles Davis just search the list of songs for Miles Davis or his band names to find a related song you could use in the essay.)

Choose ONE of the following for the essay:

1. Analyze, compare, and discuss the improvisatory styles and musical philosophies of Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke. Discuss the musical background and influences of each, as well as the political and/or social conditions that played a part in shaping their musical lives. Focus on the “hot jazz” approach of Armstrong in contrast to the “cool, reflective” side of Beiderbecke. Investigate the reasons for Armstrong’s world-wide popularity as opposed to Beiderbecke’s relative obscurity.

2. Miles Davis, the bandleader, formed numerous groups which have made seminal recordings in several distinct styles. In chronological order, from the late 1940s through the end of the 1980s, survey the music and musicians of each of his bands, analyzing stylistic tendencies, key musical characteristics, innovative contributions, and important compositions and recordings illustrating each style. Compare and contrast each band and discuss the evolvement of his music and the musicians who played with him through the years.