Los Angeles Valley College West End Blues by Louis Armstrong Discussion

Listen to the song and then write up your reactions following
these guidelines. Take notes as you listen. You may read about the song
and performer in your textbook for more background information, but all
writing must be in your own words.

Play media comment.

“West End Blues” by Louis Armstrong, trumpet (New Orleans jazz)

1. First of all, include the song title, performer, performer’s instrument, and genre.
2. What is the mood of this song? How does it make you feel? What does it make you think of or imagine?
3. Instruments: As you listen to the music, describe the musical sounds
   you hear. Can you pick out specific instruments? How do they sound?
   What specific techniques or style can you hear from the instruments? If
   there are vocals, how would you describe the vocals?
4. Musical texture: How do the instruments sound together? Collective
   improvisation, or solo + accompaniment, or call and response? Rhythm:
   does it swing?
5. How do you think this song is representative of its time period, composer, or performer?
6. Proofread your report for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Your
   report should be 500 words, written in complete sentences, in
   paragraphs, with clear writing.

ASSIGNMETN 2

Listen to the song and then write up your reactions following these guidelines:

Play media comment.

“Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington, piano (big band swing)

1. First of all, include the song title, performer, performer’s instrument, and genre.
2. What is the mood of this song? How does it make you feel? What does it make you think of or imagine?
3. Instruments: As you listen to the music, describe the musical sounds
   you hear. Can you pick out specific instruments? How do they sound?
   What specific techniques or style can you hear from the instruments? If
   there are vocals, how would you describe the vocals?
4. Musical texture: How do the instruments sound together? Collective
   improvisation, solo + accompaniment, call and response? Rhythm: does it
   swing?
5. How do you think this song is representative of its time period, composer, or performer?
6. Proofread your report for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Your
   report should be 500 words, written in complete sentences, in
   paragraphs, with clear writing.