The Harmonic Anticipation of Charlie Parker

Abstract

Abstract:This research investigates the use of harmonic anticipation (HA) in the improvised solos of saxophonist Charlie Parker. HA is the technique of arriving at the succeeding chord ahead of time, and although frequently used by jazz soloists, it has received scarce attention in the literature as a standalone concept. The research investigates how Parker uses HA, including the length of anticipation, the location in the musical form, and the types of melodic and rhythmic structures engaged. I also consider whether HA is an essential component of transcription analysis and how musicians might approach learning to anticipate harmony when improvising. The research methods include transcription analysis of improvised solos and a practice-led approach to learning to improvise with HA. The transcription analyses reveal Parker's preferred methods for anticipating harmony: at a modulation point, during a ii-V-I chord progression, before the I chord in a blues form, and with varying lengths of 25-100% of the underlying harmonic rhythm. I argue that existing methods of transcription analysis can be improved by the inclusion of a sophisticated understanding of HA and develop a series of pedagogical exercises for my own practice and for use by a wider audience.