The compositions of Jelly Roll Morton 1923- 1941 - Essay Example

The compositions were original and contained many thematic structures. Examples of his popular compositions included “Wolverine Blues” and “Alabama Bound”. The characteristics of the musician’s individualistic styles also included an ensemble of melody, harmonic support, and rhythmic punctuations which all gave a sense collectively operating multiple elements. The collective style was the characteristic of most of the traditional jazz pieces in New Orleans. His composition was also influenced by “traditional usage of break”.

This is a pause made before returning to the melodic part of a piece. His style was similar to barrelhouse. His style was unique, unlike other jazz pianists he used his right thumb to play the melody part of musical piece. He created harmony with other right hand fingers. This style produced an “out-of-tune” sound unlike other traditional pieces in New Orleans. His other unique individual stylistic characteristics included the use of major and minor sixths in bass. With his unique characteristics, he claimed to be the innovator of jazz music.

Morton was among the most talented composers in New Orleans. He improved the New Orleans Jazz by combining parts of his invented solos. He was an outstanding piano soloist. He had the ability to use the keyboard to create all the sounds in a band. He was also capable of moving rhythms regardless of the rigidity of ragtime to make them more flexible and exciting. His creative musical ideas were portrayed in his compositions.