Non-symetrical sheets: A ‘flurried’ approach to rhythm
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Research Statement
Research Background
This practice-led research into jazz improvisation draws upon the work of saxophonists John Coltrane and Charles Lloyd and examines and applies a ‘flurried’ approach to rhythm. Conventional rhythmic approaches to melody development are generally drawn from subdividable rhythms of 2 and 3. In the work of Coltrane and Lloyd however, melody lines often contain other prime groups – 5, 7, 11 and 13. Within their work, these melody groups are seeming not applied as an ‘intentional’ subdivisions, rather they are the result of a certain harmonic devices being condensed into a short space of time, allowing the full harmonic colour to be realised by a monophonic instrument. Coltrane and Lloyd commonly approach these ‘flurried’ lines by using scales and arpeggios buit from 3rds to imply harmonic colour—in this research, a wider range of melodic intervals were applied and non-symetrical phrase shapes were incorporated.
Research Contribution
This research enabled approaches to be constructed to extend the ‘flurried’ approach to melodic construction, which is evident in certain elements of the improvised solos within the recorded outputs. The approaches required comprehensive extension of my existing technical ability on the saxophone and demanded a reimagining of the note-by-note approach to melodic line development that is common for monophonic instrumentalists. Instead of this linear approach, a ‘block’ of harmony was imagined, similar to that of a piano chord voicing, with phrase ‘shapes’ being applied within the block. This approach constitutes a divergent method that warrants further investigation, but practically and academically.
Research Significance
This research took place across two significant recording sessions, one by the Australian National Jazz Orchestra, and the other on Vanessa Perica’s award winning album “Love is a Temporary madness”. Both of these ensembles have an international profile and are held in high esteem.
Non-Traditional Research Output
Recorded or Rendered Creative Work
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2020
Medium
Album
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
RAS ID
35948
Additional Information
One full length album and one single release video
Comments
Oehers, J. (2020). Non-symetrical sheets – A ‘flurried’ approach to rhythm [Album recording].