This study explored the experiences of prominent jazz vocalists regarding the collaboration between the vocalist and pianist during duo performances. The work relationship between a jazz vocalist and accompanist is a unique phenomenon due to the improvisatory and collaborative nature of jazz. Effective co-performer interaction and communication are two essential components within an improvisational music setting. A spirit of spontaneity ir required in order for improvisation and interpretation to take place in real-time and on stage; aspects which cannot be duplicated or replicated during rehearsals. A qualitative research approach was employed by means of a collective case study, exploring the views and experiences of three prominent South African and three international jazz vocalists. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. Furthermore, artefacts including audio and audio-visual recordings of each of these performers were studied to ascertain aspects of the vocal-piano collaboration. Thematic data analysis presented four main themes: (1) individuality; (2) interactive relationships; (3) musicianship; and (4) the present moment. The findings revealed that the roles of both partners within the vocal-piano duo collaboration are evenly distributed, yet have distinctive functions. Each new performance between the same vocal-piano duo is an innovative execution, a skilful and artistic equilibrium. It embodies a companionship playing out on stage in view of an audience, yet with the subtle sharing of musical messages. / Mini Dissertation (MMus)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / UP Postgraduate fund / Music / MMus / Unrestricted

Americana Suite is a seven movement musical composition inspired by nineteenth and early twentieth century American master paintings. Representative artists from each of the major schools of American painting include Frederic Church, Winslow Homer, Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, George Bellows, Edward Hopper and Georgia O'Keeffe. Essentially pluralist in style, the suite is written for ensembles of varying size and genre, spanning from full orchestra and contemporary big band to intimate jazz chamber ensembles and electro-acoustic hybrids. Four of the seven movements are written for jazz ensembles and incorporate improvisation, while the other three orchestral movements explore romantic, impressionist and cinematic idioms. Historical summaries of each school, artist and painting are followed by detailed aesthetic and theoretical analyses of the respective movements. Harmonica virtuoso Howard Levy performs as a special guest artist.

In this paper, I explore the early musical language of McCoy Tyner. Today, Tyner is recognized mostly for his use of quartal harmony and pentatonic scales despite having made recordings in his early career that reflect a more mainstream approach. In an effort to expand how Tyner is represented, I argue that Tyner's early style was characterized by a graceful balance of tradition and innovation, a masterful blend of bebop syntax with pentatonic melodies and quartal harmonies. The recordings that I analyze and discuss are: "Effendi," "Cousin Mary," and "Newport Romp." I transcribed and analyzed selected portions of these recordings in order to better understand his early musical language as a soloist from 1962 to 1963. A portion of this paper is focused on the early reception of Tyner, which acknowledged him as an accomplished mainstream player with a firm grasp of the jazz tradition. Ultimately, my analysis shows that Tyner's early style was a balance of tradition and innovation, incorporating bebop syntax, pentatonic melodies, and quartal harmonies.