Motown/Jazz/Detroit
In this course we will study the music of Motown exploring how its evolution related to jazz and the unique elements of Detroit, giving rise to one of America's corporate recording giants. We will examine how Berry Gordy recruited jazz musicians to back-up the various vocalists at Motown to develop a unique sound and style resulting in the production of more hits than any other recording label. Students will learn the tools of jazz that were employed by Motown — including the jazz swing feel as opposed to a rigid 8th note feel of rock or disco — and they will have the opportunity to improvise using the tools we study. The one focus of the course will be on performing the music of Motown, which will culminate in a concert by the students accompanying a professional singer of this genre. (Pass/Fail)