African Rhythms and the Saxophone: Connecting to the Source of Jazz

Course Number
ILWD-215
Description

This course examines jazz with a focus on understanding the provenance of the music itself; in this case, the African continent, and in particular West African countries such as (modern day names) Benin, Togo, Senegal, and others. This class will focus on exploring the music of some of these cultures and in particular students will discuss and learn the rhythms that connect the music from these countries to their musical culture here in the United States and in the Americas. They will learn rhythms such as bembé and Abakuá and others, and how these are connected to jazz music.

Credits
1
Prerequisites
Overall ensemble rating 3
Required Of
None
Electable By
All
Semesters Offered
Fall, Spring
Location
Boston
Department
WWND
Course Chair
Walter Smith (Woodwind)
Taught By
Courses may not be offered at the listed locations or taught by the listed faculty for every semester. Consult my.berklee.edu to find course information for a specific semester.

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