Motivische Arbeit im Jazz
The analysis of four blues choruses by the trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff permits us to recognize a technique of Improvisation which we will name "motive work". This manner of playing must he distinguished from that form of "motet sequence" which obtains its segments by splitting them off continuously from the preceding material. Mangelsdorff's improvisation can be traced back to a single motive. An organic correspondence can be shown not only between small melodic segments but also between complete phrases and longer sequences. All four blues choruses are logically connected; viewed as an entity, they reveal a fourfold division, the first two choruses being shaped rhythmically, the third as bridge, the fourth as climax of the greatest melodic and rhythmic intensity. Mangelsdorff's clear musical concept allows him to elude the blind alley of cliche, routine, epigonism and hard bop so as to arrive at an original achievement of high artistic quality.