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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
Style
Answer
The Brotherhood of Breath's style is characterized by a rich mixture of hard-driving blues reminiscent of Charles Mingus, combined with the experimental elements popularized by Sun Ra. This band showcased the raucous, highly adventurous blend of South African and British jazz. They embraced free-form township riffs and offered a fresh perspective on big band music by integrating avant-garde arrangements that bordered on atonality.
Their performance approach was cutting-edge, with a tight rhythmic arrangement that featured propulsive rhythmic figures. This marked a departure from the more flexible instrumentation typical of traditional big bands. Notably, they strayed beyond the usual boundaries of 1950s/60s jazz by introducing tight interplay between brass and woodwinds, making a significant impact on British big band music.
Step 2
Instrumentation
Answer
The band utilized a rhythm section consisting of drums, guitar, and piano, alongside a dynamic lineup of wind players that changed according to availability. Rather than adhering strictly to conventional instruments, the Brotherhood of Breath often created parts tailored for specific players. This adaptive approach enabled them to maintain flexibility while enriching their musical compositions.
Step 3
The role of improvisation
Answer
Improvisation played a crucial role in the Brotherhood of Breath's music. They employed repeated patterns during performances, allowing musicians the freedom to explore their creativity. Additionally, their work included free improvisational features that were independent of underlying chord progressions, highlighting their innovative approach.
Step 4
Mra
Answer
The composition Mra exemplifies the unique characteristics of the Brotherhood of Breath. It incorporates a distinctive sound influenced by South African traditions, prominently showcasing consecutive parallel movement and repetitive rhythmic patterns. This piece is a blend of South African jazz traditions with more progressive American contributions. The band’s style reflects the influences of Charles Mingus and Thelonious Monk, underscoring the complex relationships between African, British, and American jazz.