Lewis Nash Quintet: Fascinating Rhythm—Wonderful Sounds

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LEWIS NASH QUINTET Fascinating Rhythm–Wonderful Sounds demonstration

Meet jazz drummer and bandleader Lewis Nash, who Modern Drummer magazine once dubbed “Jazz’s Most Valuable Player.”

Jazz is a form of music through which an artist’s individual style clearly emerges and Lewis Nash’s work is a good example. Get to know his unique sound as he, along with members of his quintet, perform rhythmic musical selections. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the art of active listening, as well as explore the range of sounds of different jazz instruments.

LEWIS NASH AND THE LEWIS NASH QUINTET: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Lewis Nash developed his passion for music at an early age. He began playing the drums at age 10, and by age 21, he was performing professionally with local jazz acts.

Known for his musical adaptability (being able to play a wide array of musical styles), Nash has collaborated with countless musicians throughout his career, including jazz legends Betty Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, and Benny Carter. He has performed on stages all over the world and can be heard on over 400 recordings.

PHOTO BY JOHN ABBOTT

Nash is joined by band members, Jimmy Greene (saxophone), Terell Stafford (trumpet), Renee Rosnes (piano), and Peter Washington (bass).

PHOTO BY R.R. JONES

In addition to this Quintet, Lewis Nash leads several other musical groups, from duo (two people) to septet (seven people).

JAZZ: AN EVOLVING ART FORM Jazz is a truly American musical form—and many people consider it one of America’s best contributions to the world of music. Jazz first emerged about 100 years ago in the American South, most distinctly in New Orleans, Louisiana. This seaport city served as home to people of African, French, English, Caribbean, and other backgrounds. It also became a melting pot for music from these many traditions. African American musicians fused elements of ragtime, blues, classical, and big brass band sounds to create this distinct new type of music.

After the first jazz recordings were made in 1917, jazz spread across the nation.

It evolved over decades, helped along by influential musicians. In the 1920s, trumpeter Louis Armstrong introduced improvised solos and Duke Ellington popularized big band jazz; in the 1930s, people began dancing to jazz music, thanks to the upbeat sounds of Benny Goodman’s and Count Basie’s swing music. Charlie Parker’s groundbreaking bebop of the 1940s led to Miles Davis’ complex “cool” style in the 1950s. Jazz moved into the 1960s with pioneers like John Coltrane and his modal jazz; the next decades brought more change— from fusion, which brought together multiple styles, to the neo-classical leanings of Wynton Marsalis and other “young lions.” Jazz continues to evolve today—building on its vast legacy of innovation and experimentation.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM In this session, the Quintet performs music that helps explore the roles of rhythm and syncopation in jazz, as well as the variety of sounds each instrument can create. Three of the works you will hear include: “Blues Connotation” by Ornette Coleman Listen for…the music’s New Orleans flavor. Specifically, the “second line” feeling that follows the opening drum solo. “Second line” refers to people who join in a parade, following a band.

“The Highest Mountain” by Clifford Jordan Listen for…the different sections of the song, each with its own distinctive rhythmic pattern. In case it gets tricky, the Quintet will demonstrate each one before playing the tune.

“Y Todavia La Quiero” by Joe Henderson Listen for…the steady rhythm of the drums throughout the piece, which directs any variations or changes in the music by the other instruments.

THE LANGUAGE OF JAZZ Here are some jazz terms you should know…

David M. Rubenstein Chairman Michael M. Kaiser President Darrell M. Ayers Vice President, Education and Jazz Programming Jason Moran Artistic Advisor for Jazz Additional support for Performances for Young Audiences is provided by Adobe Foundation, The Clark Charitable Foundation; Mr. James V. Kimsey; The Macy’s Foundation; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Park Foundation, Inc.; Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; an endowment from the Ryna and Melvin Cohen Family Foundation; U.S. Department of Education; Washington Gas; and by generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas.

Major support for the Kennedy Center’s educational programs is provided by David and Alice Rubenstein through the Rubenstein Arts Access Program.

Education and related artistic programs are made possible through the generosity of the National Committee for the Performing Arts and the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts.

WPFW 89.3 FM is a media partner of Kennedy Center Jazz.

Improvisation Creating music or song spontaneously, a technique that requires great musical skill and creativity

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Rhythm A strong, repeated pattern of sound

Cuesheets are produced by ARTSEDGE, an education program of the Kennedy Center.

Soloing When a musician improvises by elaborating on the music’s melody and harmony in their own personal style Syncopation Stressing a note in an unexpected place, between beats, or on a weak beat Individual Personality When musicians create a unique personal sound while playing their instruments

Learn more about education at The Kennedy Center at www.kennedycenter.org/education The contents of this Cuesheet have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. © 2014 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

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