Photo AI
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 displayed a unique blend of traditional big band elements alongside innovative departures from the norm. Their style was characterized by a mixture of hard-driving blues and experimental influences, combining aspects from eminent figures like Charles Mingus and Sun Ra. While they maintained big band fundamentals such as a robust rhythm section and ensemble playing, they also incorporated elements of South African jazz and avant-garde techniques. This resulted in a flexible and dynamic performance style that strayed from conventional big band structures, favoring freedom and improvisation.
Step 2
Refer to style, instrumentation and the role of improvisation
Answer
The instrumentation of the Brotherhood of Breath was diverse, employing a rhythm section of drums, guitar, and piano with a dynamic group of wind players. This adaptability allowed the ensemble to utilize available musicians, which was crucial for their performances. In terms of style, they adopted a cutting-edge performance style with tightly arranged, propulsive rhythms, making their sound distinctly contemporary.
The role of improvisation was central to their music as free improvisational features were prevalent, with repeated patterns employed during performance. This approach allowed musicians to explore and elevate the melodic and rhythmic possibilities of their pieces, creating an organic and evolving sound.
In the composition Mra, these characteristics manifested through a unique sound influenced by South African musical traditions, showcasing cyclic harmonic progressions and repetitive rhythmic patterns.
Step 3
Explain how these characteristics manifested in the composition Mra
Answer
In Mra, the Brotherhood of Breath highlights their South African influences through cyclic harmonic progressions and an interplay of brass and woodwind instruments. The composition showcases the innovative spirit of the band, blending traditional jazz forms with African-flavored avant-garde elements. The structure of Mra involves consecutive parallel movement and dynamic rhythmic patterns reflecting their improvisational ethos, allowing musicians to express themselves freely within a structured framework. This fusion not only exemplifies their artistic direction but also signals a distinct South African identity within the broader jazz context.