The improvisational style of Paul Bley

Lorenzo Ditta

About this exposition

Paul Bley is a key figure in the history of jazz piano and free improvisation in general, and he still exerts a profound influence on many contemporary artists from Keith Jarrett to Aaron Parks. This work tracks the development of his unique style, trying to answer the following question: how did Bley manage to maintain coherence and integrity in his solos, and what was the relationship between his improvisations and the underlying harmonies? The project draws on several sources: Bley's autobiography, interviews with artists, influenced by Bley, who have also tried to understand the secret of his improvisational style; his recordings, from his debut album to his masterpieces. Moreover, some of his classical solos are analyzed and transcribed in full. The study has shown how to explore the creative potential of collective improvisation and free improvisation, beyond the more traditional musical jazz forms, and alternative ways in which an ensemble can obtain an original sound, with instruments that play roles that are not typical for them. This research does not claim to be a comprehensive treatise on an innovative figure like Paul Bley, but an analysis of his work aimed at drawing lessons useful to develop skills in arrangement and improvisation.

type	research exposition
keywords	Creative Practice
date	07/02/2019
published	11/07/2022
last modified	11/07/2022
status	limited publication
copyright	Lorenzo Ditta
license	All rights reserved
url	https://www.researchcatalogue.net/view/564338/564339
published in	KC Research Portal
portal issue	3. Internal publication

name	The improvisational style of Paul Bley
copyright	Lorenzo Ditta
license	All rights reserved
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The improvisational style of Paul Bley (2022)

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