Lecture and Recital: Scott Bruce | North Carolina Central University

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Date

Apr 6, 2023

Time

7 p.m.

Location

Edwards Recital Hall

Admission

Free and open to the public

Add to Calendar 2023-04-06 12:07:00 2025-05-20 22:51:57 Lecture and Recital: Scott Bruce Join us for a lecture and recital by NCCU Jazz Studies grad student Scott Bruce! This presentation explores the ways in which Elvin Jones (1927–2004) incorporated his signature playing style on John Coltrane’s "Both Directions at Once: The Lost Album" (1963) and its impact. Around this time, Coltrane and his quartet (nicknamed the “Classic Quartet”) were approaching the height of their fame in the jazz world. Prior to 1963, the quartet had established themselves with the release of studio albums such as "My Favorite Things," "Coltrane," and "Ballads." Critics particularly praised the quartet’s high energy and innovative sound style, noting its contrast to both earlier Coltrane recordings and other contemporary artists. At the forefront of this energy and sound was Jones, who provided the rhythmic freedom and integrity that supported Coltrane’s improvisatory style in ways hitherto unheard of. The album "Both Directions at Once" marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the quartet's sound, laying stylistic foundations that reach their pinnacle in "A Love Supreme," recorded a year and a half later. In this presentation, Scott Bruce will analyze how Jones builds his seemingly free and polyrhythmic drumming on top of a consistent triplet comping foundation, noting other key techniques, such as a unique ride cymbal pattern, non-traditional use of the hi-hat and superimposition of meter. Additionally, Bruce will relate how his use of all four limbs on the drumset affected phrasing and dynamics in ways that differed from other drummers who recorded in 1963, specifically Frankie Dunlop on Thelonious Monk’s “Monk’s Dream” and Philly Joe Jones on Hank Mobley’s “No Room for Squares.” The contrast between these drummers’ styles will be demonstrated by transcriptions and live performances that assist the listener in hearing the minute details of these well-known performers. There will also be a performance of seven songs arranged by lecturer Scott Bruce and students from the Jazz Studies program at NCCU. North Carolina Central University [email protected] America/New_York public

Join us for a lecture and recital by NCCU Jazz Studies grad student Scott Bruce!

This presentation explores the ways in which Elvin Jones (1927–2004) incorporated his signature playing style on John Coltrane’s "Both Directions at Once: The Lost Album" (1963) and its impact.

Around this time, Coltrane and his quartet (nicknamed the “Classic Quartet”) were approaching the height of their fame in the jazz world. Prior to 1963, the quartet had established themselves with the release of studio albums such as "My Favorite Things," "Coltrane," and "Ballads." Critics particularly praised the quartet’s high energy and innovative sound style, noting its contrast to both earlier Coltrane recordings and other contemporary artists.

At the forefront of this energy and sound was Jones, who provided the rhythmic freedom and integrity that supported Coltrane’s improvisatory style in ways hitherto unheard of. The album "Both Directions at Once" marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the quartet's sound, laying stylistic foundations that reach their pinnacle in "A Love Supreme," recorded a year and a half later.

In this presentation, Scott Bruce will analyze how Jones builds his seemingly free and polyrhythmic drumming on top of a consistent triplet comping foundation, noting other key techniques, such as a unique ride cymbal pattern, non-traditional use of the hi-hat and superimposition of meter. Additionally, Bruce will relate how his use of all four limbs on the drumset affected phrasing and dynamics in ways that differed from other drummers who recorded in 1963, specifically Frankie Dunlop on Thelonious Monk’s “Monk’s Dream” and Philly Joe Jones on Hank Mobley’s “No Room for Squares.” The contrast between these drummers’ styles will be demonstrated by transcriptions and live performances that assist the listener in hearing the minute details of these well-known performers.

There will also be a performance of seven songs arranged by lecturer Scott Bruce and students from the Jazz Studies program at NCCU.

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