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The Brotherhood of Breath was a big band created by Chris McGregor at the end of the 1960s while he was in exile - NSC Music - Question 15 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 15
The Brotherhood of Breath was a big band created by Chris McGregor at the end of the 1960s while he was in exile. Expand on this statement by discussing how this ba... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The Brotherhood of Breath was a big band created by Chris McGregor at the end of the 1960s while he was in exile - NSC Music - Question 15 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Discuss how this band both conformed to and deviated from the style of a traditional big band
Answer
The Brotherhood of Breath integrated elements from both conventional big band structures and innovative improvisational practices.
Style: The band showcased a mixture of hard-driving blues influenced by Charles Mingus alongside experimental sounds reminiscent of Sun Ra. Their performances were marked by a raucous and adventurous blend of South African and British jazz, often absorbing the essence of traditional big bands while introducing flexibility in arrangements.
Instrumentation: The group’s instrumentation included a dynamic rhythm section comprising drums, guitar, and piano, alongside adaptable wind players. This approach allowed the band to adjust its lineup naturally, embodying both a traditional big band unity and a contemporary jazz sensibility.
Role of Improvisation: Improvisation played a crucial role, with the band utilizing repeated patterns and free improvisational techniques that were independent of underlying chord progressions. This aspect brought a sense of unpredictability and excitement to their musical expression.
Through these elements, the Brotherhood of Breath both adhered to and innovated upon the big band tradition.
Step 2
Explain how these characteristics manifested in the composition Mra
Answer
In the composition Mra, the unique sound influenced by South African elements is prominently featured. The piece is characterized by:
- Cyclic harmonic progression: Utilizing consecutive parallel movement that reflects traditional South African music styles.
- Repetitive rhythmic patterns: This creates a driving force that reinforces the cultural foundation while allowing for improvisational space.
Mra exemplifies a fusion of modern jazz influences with deeply rooted South African traditions, showcasing how the Brotherhood of Breath marked a significant evolution within the realm of jazz, especially in their embrace of diversity in rhythm and ensemble interplay.