Seth Lampel

10/20/2016

Period 2

Punk Rockers Are Smart Too: The Derivation of Current Rock from Jazz Improvisation

Research Question:

Did 70s classic rock and punk derive directly from 50s and 60s jazz improvisation, meaning

current alternative music origins can be traced back to jazz?

Hypothesis:

Current rock music has evolved over time as an innovation that derived from 50s and 60s jazz

improvisation.

Background/History of the Issue:

It is our imperfections and weaknesses that require participation and collaboration to play with

others. The true talent of a musician is in fact to simply be able to cooperate with other musicians

to make a good sound. People like different music. But, no matter what type of music you like,

there is a common belief that music can and should be good. However, different music comes

from different places, and some components of one type of music can have connections drawn

from another type of music. For example, rock n roll can be seen in rap in the form of loudly

expressing meaningful opinions.

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Rationale:

Music has influence. Maybe the creative process has a stronger connection to influence than we

know. I want to explore this idea. Jazz directors are very serious and stick directly to the sheet

music, but I think that rock may have started in jazz improvisation. From personal experience

and observations, I dont think the preppy, jazz-type musicians realize that this could be true, and

that you dont always have to stick to the written components of music. Jazz students led by

prestiged directors are pushed to perfection, and become very stressed with anxiety. With

improvisation, there is more freedom for creativity. The music just happens. Sure, some

rehearsal and practice is needed, but the musicians shouldnt be pushed past their limits. It ends

up sounding better in the end anyway.

Basis of Hypothesis:

I focused my hypothesis directly on jazzs relation to current rock because they are on the

complete opposite spectrum of music. I know that rock had other origins and influences, such as

african tribal drumming, but I find the huge difference yet strong connection between jazz and

rock interesting.

Operational Definitions:

Jazz Improvisation: Jazz music played on the spot without sheet music.

Classic Rock: More melodic form of punk formed in 1970s.

Punk: Hard, rebellious type of music formed in early 1970s.

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 Alternative Rock: Genre of rock that emerged from the independent music of the 1990s

and early 2000s that is still widely popularized today.

Descriptors Used for Literature Speech:

Musical Influence

Rock Origins and Influences

Jazz Improvisation

Jazz and Rock

Rock History