The Evolution of Jazz: An American Art Form
Author(s): Robert Shipley
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2022
The Evolution of Jazz: An American Art Form introduces students to the history, development, and cultural significance of one of America's greatest artistic achievements. From its origins in the African American communities of New Orleans to its influence around the world, jazz has continually evolved while remaining rooted in creativity, improvisation, and individual expression.
Organized into fifteen chapters, this textbook follows the major styles, influential musicians, landmark recordings, and historical events that shaped jazz through the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Each chapter includes a summary, listening assignment, and quiz designed to strengthen understanding and encourage active engagement with the music. A midterm research project and final assessment provide opportunities for deeper study.
More than a history of a musical style, this book explores jazz as a reflection of American culture—its challenges, innovations, and enduring spirit. Students will gain a greater appreciation for the artists who shaped this remarkable tradition and for the music that continues to inspire audiences around the world.
CHAPTER 1: UNDERSTANDING THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF JAZZ
CHAPTER 2: THE ROOTS OF JAZZ
CHAPTER 3: EARLY NEW ORLEANS AND CHICAGO STYLE JAZZ
CHAPTER 4: THE JAZZ AGE: FROM CHICAGO TO NEW YORK
CHAPTER 5: THE SWING ERA
CHAPTER 6: DUKE ELLINGTON
CHAPTER 7: BEBOP: A MAJOR METAMORPHOSIS
CHAPTER 8: THE COOL PERIOD: JAZZ IN THE 1950S
CHAPTER 9: MILES DAVIS
CHAPTER 10: HARD BOP, FUNKY, SOUL, AND GOSPEL JAZZ
CHAPTER 11: AVANT-GARDE AND THE FREE JAZZ MOVEMENT
CHAPTER 12 FUSION: JAZZ IN THE 1970S AND 1980S
CHAPTER 13: TRADITIONALISM AND CONTEMPORARY TRENDS IN THE 1980S AND 1990S
CHAPTER 14: THE EVOLUTION OF THE JAZZ VOCALIST
CHAPTER 15: LATIN JAZZ
CHAPTER 16: CURRENT TRENDS AND THE FUTURE OF JAZZ
Born and raised in Chicago, Robert started studying drums at the age of 10, starting a band with twin brother (Richard) who plays bass. They had a soundproof studio built by their father (Charles Shipley) who was a recording engineer.
Robert attended Chicago Vocational High School majoring in music. After High school he went to Kentucky State University on a marching band scholarship, and then to The American Conservatory of Music in Chicago.
In 1979, he started touring the world with Blues bands such as Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, who he recorded on Gatemouth’s Grammy-winning album (Best Blues Artist) in 1981. After moving to Los Angeles in 1982, he began touring with Natalie Cole (1983–1989), Diana Ross (1989), The Temptations (1989–1990), The O’Jays (1990–2002), Chaka Khan (1995–1998), and isolated dates with artists such as Stephanie Mills, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams, The Main Ingredient, Ben Vereen, Evelyn King, The Emotions, The S.O.S. Band, Jody Whatley, and many more.
Robert decided to take his career in another direction after 20 years on the road performing in every venue from Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Superdome in New Orleans, to the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, and appearing on several TV shows such as Soul Train, Oprah Winfrey, The Tonight Show, and many H.B.O. Specials. He moved to Vegas to pursue a more stable life in the Vegas showrooms and to share with kids his passion for drumming.
After having a rising career in Vegas with productions such as Ain’t Nothing like the Real Thing, Earl Turner, Legends in Concert, and Hitzville (The Show), a Motown revue featuring Jin Jin Reeves. He teaches drum lessons to students at Winchester Community Center, sponsored by The House of Blues Foundation, DW Drums, and Sabian Cymbals. In addition to his many endeavors, beginning in May 2010, he toured worldwide as Musical Director/Drummer, for Eddie Levert (The O’Jays), Johnny Gill (New Edition), Gerald Alston (The Manhattans), and Dennis Edwards (The Temptations).
Robert invested six years of his life toward securing his Bachelor’s Degree in jazz performance and Master’s Degree in jazz composition at the University of Nevada Las Vegas supporting the substance of his fortitude and willingness to do the hard work that is required when he sets his mind and heart toward a goal.
Robert Shipley is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at Hope College. A tenure track position he proudly excepted on July 1, 2021.
He is the author of (3) drum method books titled
THE ART OF COMMERCIAL DRUMMING
COMPLETE DRUM METHODS FOR THE WELL-ROUNDED DRUMMER
THE EVOLUTION OF THE GROOVE
He is also an accomplished musician, widely acclaimed for his versatility and accomplishment, whose various styles of playing includes but is not limited to Pop, Jazz, R&B, and Latin music.
The Evolution of Jazz: An American Art Form introduces students to the history, development, and cultural significance of one of America's greatest artistic achievements. From its origins in the African American communities of New Orleans to its influence around the world, jazz has continually evolved while remaining rooted in creativity, improvisation, and individual expression.
Organized into fifteen chapters, this textbook follows the major styles, influential musicians, landmark recordings, and historical events that shaped jazz through the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Each chapter includes a summary, listening assignment, and quiz designed to strengthen understanding and encourage active engagement with the music. A midterm research project and final assessment provide opportunities for deeper study.
More than a history of a musical style, this book explores jazz as a reflection of American culture—its challenges, innovations, and enduring spirit. Students will gain a greater appreciation for the artists who shaped this remarkable tradition and for the music that continues to inspire audiences around the world.
CHAPTER 1: UNDERSTANDING THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF JAZZ
CHAPTER 2: THE ROOTS OF JAZZ
CHAPTER 3: EARLY NEW ORLEANS AND CHICAGO STYLE JAZZ
CHAPTER 4: THE JAZZ AGE: FROM CHICAGO TO NEW YORK
CHAPTER 5: THE SWING ERA
CHAPTER 6: DUKE ELLINGTON
CHAPTER 7: BEBOP: A MAJOR METAMORPHOSIS
CHAPTER 8: THE COOL PERIOD: JAZZ IN THE 1950S
CHAPTER 9: MILES DAVIS
CHAPTER 10: HARD BOP, FUNKY, SOUL, AND GOSPEL JAZZ
CHAPTER 11: AVANT-GARDE AND THE FREE JAZZ MOVEMENT
CHAPTER 12 FUSION: JAZZ IN THE 1970S AND 1980S
CHAPTER 13: TRADITIONALISM AND CONTEMPORARY TRENDS IN THE 1980S AND 1990S
CHAPTER 14: THE EVOLUTION OF THE JAZZ VOCALIST
CHAPTER 15: LATIN JAZZ
CHAPTER 16: CURRENT TRENDS AND THE FUTURE OF JAZZ
Born and raised in Chicago, Robert started studying drums at the age of 10, starting a band with twin brother (Richard) who plays bass. They had a soundproof studio built by their father (Charles Shipley) who was a recording engineer.
Robert attended Chicago Vocational High School majoring in music. After High school he went to Kentucky State University on a marching band scholarship, and then to The American Conservatory of Music in Chicago.
In 1979, he started touring the world with Blues bands such as Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, who he recorded on Gatemouth’s Grammy-winning album (Best Blues Artist) in 1981. After moving to Los Angeles in 1982, he began touring with Natalie Cole (1983–1989), Diana Ross (1989), The Temptations (1989–1990), The O’Jays (1990–2002), Chaka Khan (1995–1998), and isolated dates with artists such as Stephanie Mills, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams, The Main Ingredient, Ben Vereen, Evelyn King, The Emotions, The S.O.S. Band, Jody Whatley, and many more.
Robert decided to take his career in another direction after 20 years on the road performing in every venue from Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Superdome in New Orleans, to the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, and appearing on several TV shows such as Soul Train, Oprah Winfrey, The Tonight Show, and many H.B.O. Specials. He moved to Vegas to pursue a more stable life in the Vegas showrooms and to share with kids his passion for drumming.
After having a rising career in Vegas with productions such as Ain’t Nothing like the Real Thing, Earl Turner, Legends in Concert, and Hitzville (The Show), a Motown revue featuring Jin Jin Reeves. He teaches drum lessons to students at Winchester Community Center, sponsored by The House of Blues Foundation, DW Drums, and Sabian Cymbals. In addition to his many endeavors, beginning in May 2010, he toured worldwide as Musical Director/Drummer, for Eddie Levert (The O’Jays), Johnny Gill (New Edition), Gerald Alston (The Manhattans), and Dennis Edwards (The Temptations).
Robert invested six years of his life toward securing his Bachelor’s Degree in jazz performance and Master’s Degree in jazz composition at the University of Nevada Las Vegas supporting the substance of his fortitude and willingness to do the hard work that is required when he sets his mind and heart toward a goal.
Robert Shipley is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at Hope College. A tenure track position he proudly excepted on July 1, 2021.
He is the author of (3) drum method books titled
THE ART OF COMMERCIAL DRUMMING
COMPLETE DRUM METHODS FOR THE WELL-ROUNDED DRUMMER
THE EVOLUTION OF THE GROOVE
He is also an accomplished musician, widely acclaimed for his versatility and accomplishment, whose various styles of playing includes but is not limited to Pop, Jazz, R&B, and Latin music.