Dizzy Gillespie™ Afro Cuban Experience: Performance/Demonstration

Deborah F. Rutter President

Photo by Lisa Luevanos

Darrell M. Ayers Vice President, Education and Jazz Programming

Percussionist Machito Jr. used to play alongside Gillespie in his original 1975 Afro-Cuban band.

Jason Moran Artistic Director for Jazz

JAZZ: AN EVOLVING ART FORM

Jazz Performance/Demonstrations are made possible by Kaplan, Inc.; Mr. James V. Kimsey; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; and the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

FEATURING MACHITO JR.

A PERFORMANCE AND DEMONSTRATION

Major support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center 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.

www.artsedge.kennedy-center.org Cuesheets are produced by ArtsEdge, an education program of the Kennedy Center.

Learn more about education at the Kennedy Center at www.kennedy-center.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.

© 2015 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

© All rights reserved by ID & A

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.

PERFORMANCE GUIDE

™

Cuesheet

DIZZY GILLESPIE AFRO CUBAN EXPERIENCE

David M. Rubenstein Chairman

Bandmembers from left to right: Robby Ameen, John Lee, Yotam, Freddie Hendrix, Sharel Cassity, and Machito Jr.

About the Performance DIZZY GILLESPIE: MUSICAL AMBASSADOR Under the sponsorship of the U.S. State Department, Gillespie became jazz music’s first musical ambassador.

He traveled to Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, always returning home from these tours inspired and full of fresh musical ideas. He embraced all musical forms and styles, but with a strong sense of pride in his own African American heritage, he was particularly interested in exploring those with deep roots and ties to Africa such as the music of Cuba and other Latin American countries.

THE EMERGENCE OF AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ In 1947, Gillespie was introduced to Afro-Cuban percussionist Chano Pozo.

Although the two were not familiar with each other’s music, they began collaborations on a new musical sound—what later became known as Afro-Cuban jazz. This new style fused together elements from both American jazz and traditional Afro-Cuban music, such as jazz-based harmonies and techniques and Afro-Cuban rhythms and instruments. Afro-Cuban jazz was an immediate success with audiences, attracting people to dance to its unique sounds and quick, complex rhythms.

Photo by William Gottlieb Born in 1917, Gillespie was known for his hornrimmed glasses, and the swollen, puffed out cheeks he made when playing his trumpet.

Listen Up! To learn more about jazz visit www.kennedy-center.org/artsedge and click the tag “jazz”

© All rights reserved by ID & A

Jazz legend John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie was more than a trumpet virtuoso, bandleader, and composer. He was a musical pioneer and innovator beloved by listeners and colleagues alike for his enormous talent and light-hearted personality. His life’s work had a profound impact on 20th century music including the development of the Afro-Cuban musical tradition. The Dizzy Gillespie™ Afro Cuban Experience is a jazz ensemble working to continue the legacy of both the music and the personality of this great jazz master.

THE CONCERT PROGRAM In this session, the Dizzy Gillespie™ Afro Cuban Experience introduces the style and rhythms of Afro-Cuban jazz.

Here are some key jazz terms you should know and different elements to listen for…

Fusion The blending of jazz with other musical styles Harmony Two or more notes played together that create a compatible or pleasant sound Improvisation Creating music or song spontaneously, a technique that requires great musical skill and creativity Melody The tune of a piece of music created by a series of notes; most often recognizable as the main tune you hum or sing along with in a musical work Rhythm A strong, repeated pattern of sound Tempo The speed of the music

MEET THE DIZZY GILLESPIE™ AFRO CUBAN EXPERIENCE Under the direction of Gillespie’s long-time bassist John Lee, the ensemble features a variety of musicians from today’s jazz scene, some who also worked with Gillespie plus newer talents:

John Lee, bass Freddie Hendrix, trumpet and flugelhorn Sharel Cassity, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, and flutes Yotam, guitars Robby Ameen, drums Special Guest: Machito Jr., percussion

Bandmembers from left to right: Robby Ameen, John Lee, Yotam, Freddie Hendrix, Sharel Cassity, and Machito Jr.

About the Performance DIZZY GILLESPIE: MUSICAL AMBASSADOR Under the sponsorship of the U.S. State Department, Gillespie became jazz music’s first musical ambassador.

He traveled to Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, always returning home from these tours inspired and full of fresh musical ideas. He embraced all musical forms and styles, but with a strong sense of pride in his own African American heritage, he was particularly interested in exploring those with deep roots and ties to Africa such as the music of Cuba and other Latin American countries.

THE EMERGENCE OF AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ In 1947, Gillespie was introduced to Afro-Cuban percussionist Chano Pozo.

Although the two were not familiar with each other’s music, they began collaborations on a new musical sound—what later became known as Afro-Cuban jazz. This new style fused together elements from both American jazz and traditional Afro-Cuban music, such as jazz-based harmonies and techniques and Afro-Cuban rhythms and instruments. Afro-Cuban jazz was an immediate success with audiences, attracting people to dance to its unique sounds and quick, complex rhythms.

Photo by William Gottlieb Born in 1917, Gillespie was known for his hornrimmed glasses, and the swollen, puffed out cheeks he made when playing his trumpet.

Listen Up! To learn more about jazz visit www.kennedy-center.org/artsedge and click the tag “jazz”

© All rights reserved by ID & A

Jazz legend John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie was more than a trumpet virtuoso, bandleader, and composer. He was a musical pioneer and innovator beloved by listeners and colleagues alike for his enormous talent and light-hearted personality. His life’s work had a profound impact on 20th century music including the development of the Afro-Cuban musical tradition. The Dizzy Gillespie™ Afro Cuban Experience is a jazz ensemble working to continue the legacy of both the music and the personality of this great jazz master.

THE CONCERT PROGRAM In this session, the Dizzy Gillespie™ Afro Cuban Experience introduces the style and rhythms of Afro-Cuban jazz.

Here are some key jazz terms you should know and different elements to listen for…

Fusion The blending of jazz with other musical styles Harmony Two or more notes played together that create a compatible or pleasant sound Improvisation Creating music or song spontaneously, a technique that requires great musical skill and creativity Melody The tune of a piece of music created by a series of notes; most often recognizable as the main tune you hum or sing along with in a musical work Rhythm A strong, repeated pattern of sound Tempo The speed of the music

MEET THE DIZZY GILLESPIE™ AFRO CUBAN EXPERIENCE Under the direction of Gillespie’s long-time bassist John Lee, the ensemble features a variety of musicians from today’s jazz scene, some who also worked with Gillespie plus newer talents:

John Lee, bass Freddie Hendrix, trumpet and flugelhorn Sharel Cassity, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, and flutes Yotam, guitars Robby Ameen, drums Special Guest: Machito Jr., percussion

Deborah F. Rutter President

Photo by Lisa Luevanos

Darrell M. Ayers Vice President, Education and Jazz Programming

Percussionist Machito Jr. used to play alongside Gillespie in his original 1975 Afro-Cuban band.

Jason Moran Artistic Director for Jazz

JAZZ: AN EVOLVING ART FORM

Jazz Performance/Demonstrations are made possible by Kaplan, Inc.; Mr. James V. Kimsey; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; and the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

FEATURING MACHITO JR.

A PERFORMANCE AND DEMONSTRATION

Major support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center 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.

www.artsedge.kennedy-center.org Cuesheets are produced by ArtsEdge, an education program of the Kennedy Center.

Learn more about education at the Kennedy Center at www.kennedy-center.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.

© 2015 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

© All rights reserved by ID & A

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.

PERFORMANCE GUIDE

™

Cuesheet

DIZZY GILLESPIE AFRO CUBAN EXPERIENCE

David M. Rubenstein Chairman