"Jazz" accents

[pauloalto]

I'm still finding my way round here, but I think this is the right place for this.

In my doorbell post I mentioned I'm working through some Jamey Aebersold stuff. One of the books I've been using is volume 24 major and minor. I'm enjoying it and decided to have a go at playing along with Jamey on his demo track on CD 2 of the vol 24. His improvised solos are transcribed in the book.

I must admit I can't play most of it - too fast for me! But I'm getting there bit by bit. One thing I don't really understand is some of the accents that are used above the notes in the transcription.

I know what staccato is . but there are also some > _ and U shaped accents. Is there a book or website or does anyone have a definitive list of these "Jazz" accents? I've seen them in other jazz pieces and would like to know what they are and how to play them.

 

[Dylan]

Hi PauloAlto

A book I found (am finding) really useful is Lennie Niehaus "Jazz Conceptions for the Saxophone Vol.1". Deals with the mysterious accents and phrasing needed for jazz.

Dylan

 

[spike]

Hi PauloAlto,
Hmmmn - how to make a telescope out of an old soprano saxophone.
No that's PaloAlto.

Try Wikipedia - look for "Modern musical symbols" - and I guess you need the signs and symbols for Dynamics and Articulation, you'll find links for all kinds of exotic stuff.
welcome to the lounge.
gruss - spike

 

[pauloalto]

Hi Dylan,

Not on amazon, but found it on jazzwise 🙂 Sounds good from the blurb on there. Does it come with a CD?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[pauloalto]

Thanks Spike, that had loads of useful stuff on!

Paul

 

[pauloalto]

Thanks Simon. Love the blog by the way!

 

[Dylan]

I'm sure there wasn't a CD available when I bought it. I'll have to check that out.
D

 

[Pete Thomas]

Oops, sorry I saw this days ago and forgot ot reply.

I think the Niehaus book will tell you all (I wouldn't necesarily trust Wikipedia).

A dash means the note is long, ie its full value. technically its unnecassry as notes should have a full value unless indicated otherwise by a staccato dot).

> is an accent (louder)

^ is also an accent and usually means its loud and short. (Sometimes referred to as a Dutch cap.

 

[pauloalto]

Thanks Pete 🙂