Cool Jazz Analysis

The Trumpet of Cool Jazz

Cool jazz refers to a modern jazz music defined by formal arrangements and featuring some aspects of classic music. It is a type of jazz that originated in the United States during the world war. It was referred to as cool because the instruments used had a soft and cool sound. Its main features are relaxed tempos and lighter tone (Ake, 2012). It incorporates formal arrangements and elements of classical music. The music is a bit mellower and more lyrical. It has more interest in composition and arrangement than improvisation. The tone colors in cool jazz are tended towards pastels and the vibratos are slow or sometimes do not exist. The drums played softly and were less interactive compared to bop and hard bop jazz styles (Ake, 2012). The music also has a considerable variety of emotional range, instrumentation, and level of intricacy. The original cool

Specifically, Chet Baker recorded “My Funny Valentine” in 1955. The song lacks melodic ornamentation and variation. The tempo of the song is slow and has a long sustained tone. In fact, jazz artists often performed “My Funny Valentine” in C minor. The dynamics of the song restraint to a constant low volume and use a limit range of two octaves. There is the use of a trumpet throughout the song that plays at a high pitch. Musical instruments that are string bass, baritone saxophone, and a drum are accompaniments in the song. The use of these instruments has enabled bringing out the tone color in the song. There is involvement of other people that is; it is not a solo recording. Chet Baker sings the majority of the melody. The song also has rhythmic variation and a lower and upper ornamentation. The tones of the song start with a strong beat that keeps changing throughout the song. The octave in the song allows wider application of the notes. It gives Chet an athletic performance that associates with his