Lennie Tristano (1919-1978)

Why is Lennie Tristano Important?

• 1949 he made the first recordings of free jazz-predates the free jazz movement by more then a decade

• 1950’s laid a groundbreaking landmark in jazz history by his use of the multi-tracking device; the importance lies in the fact that he used it not a s a means of novelty but as a means of expressing his unique concept of sound ideals

• contributed to the extension of concepts and practices of jazz in terms of advanced harmonic language, rhythmic complexity, and linear construction of the melody

• solo recordings of the 1960’s he accomplished a high degree of emotional intensity and musical complexities through his virtuosic use of the bass line and harmonic and contrapuntal elements

• Often cited as one of the first to teach how to improvise

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Free Jazz 1949

“Tristonoisms”

• Very aware of the melodic language of bebop• Used devices to increase harmonic tension

• Rhythmic Elements (Odd Groupings)

Turkish Mambo

Tristano as a Teacher

• Ear Training: identify all intervals and chord extensions

• Singing With Records• Rhythm: Learning to feel and understand all sub-divisions

• Technique: Very meticulous about achieving high degree of efficiency on your instrument

• Learning standards• Integrate all of this at once, not scattered

Lennie’s Influence Lee Konitz Warne Marsh

Joe Satriani

Kirk Hammet Steve Vai Charlie Hunter

Billy Joel

Mark Turner Kurt Rosenwinkel