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Brief History on Jazz -Flute
Markus Eermann
Jazz flute, on a jazz-scale is quite a new phenomenon . There are early ragtime arrangement where flute and piccolo was used but due to having low- volume , it didnt emerge as a solo instrument before the fifties after the electronic amplification was invented . Nowadays , thanks to the microphones, arrangers and composers have started to use flute on a regular basis (f.e saxophone players in big bands are required to play 2 instruments (double), most cases (Clarinet and Flute).Before 50s though, it had little use because of the low volume, Dancing halls and jazz clubs in 20s to 40s required a loud solo instrument to fill a big hall (Trumper, Saxophone)
Although , we know jazz-flute started to emerge in 20s. The earliest known recording of a jazz-flute being used as solo instrument, was by Cuban clarnetist Alberto Socarras, recording ”Shooting the Pistol” with Clarence Williams band and setting a milestone for future jazz-flutist.
While acknowleding the contribution to the early pioneers, jazz historians credit saxophonist Wayman Carver as being the first true jazz flutist, whilst recording extensively in the 30s. Tunes like “Loveless Love” in 1931 and “ Sweet Sue, just You” in 1933 with Spike Hughes band.
In the forties, multi-instrumentalist Jerome Richardson, joined Lionel Hamptons big band and recorded solos on “Kingfish” in 1949 and “There Will Never Be Another You” in 1950. From the end of the forties onward the use of improvised microphones and sound systems became more widespread, allowing the flute to gain acceptance as a versatile instrument for doublers(Saxophonists in Big Band).
From 53, Saxophone/flutist Frank Wess began to specialize on the flute, studied under Wayman Carver and was the main flautist for Count Basie Big Band. With the help of radio , Count Basies band followed huge success and Frank Wess playing the flute soon enough he recorded his debut hit “Perdido” in 1954. There is a story that Count basie, after hiring Frank, had no idea he could play flute. When one of Franks friends told Basie about Wess-s way of playing the flute, Basie was interest to hear him out. He chose Perdido and Basie was so impressed he recorded the piece . This recording has to be the most influential recording in the history of jazz flute. The success of the recording pushed more arrangers to use flute as a solo instrument and boosted to popularity of the flute in general.
Moving further , in 60s flutist Sam Most and Herbie Mann started to develope new sounds and ways . Mostly thanks to widespread experimenting happening all around the world, radical changes took place concerning the flute. Techniques from modern classical pieces(f.e E. Varese , L.Berio) started to come over and develop jazz-flute even further. One of the virtuosos, E.Dolphy started to experiment and during his stay in Italy, started to study under Severino Gazzelloni(Pioneer in multiphonics).
In the 2nd half of the 60s, Decade for bossa nova, started to spread from Brazil to North America and Europe . Bossa Nova(New Thing ) and its rich harmonies and soft -rythms were an instant hit among jazz musicians and flute was incorporated almost instantly as one of the main solo instruments for this New Thing. On the other hand, one of the most influential groups emerged for this decade, Return to Forever, lead by pianist Chick Corea. This group firmly established the playing of tenor saxophonist/flutist Joe Farrell, who later recorded extensively in the flute on albums “Friends” “Romantic Warrior”.
Since 70-s to 90s, Avant -Garde(Free Jazz) scene has been a been a playground for flutists and flutist James Newton achieved popularity with the new style where improvisation exceeds the need for harmonic sequence. In 80s, flute player Hubert Laws collaborated with J.P.Rampal and performing several live concerts. The Eighties also saw a memorable series of recordings by trumpeter C. Baker , whos sideman Nicola Stilo established himself as one of the leading bebop flute players of the modern era.
In modern era, techniques from east and different forms of ethnic music has developed jazz-flute playing even further and along with western classical music, there is much investigation in this category by both parties . A flute player Robert Dick has done some serious research in the field of multiphonics and having released a book “The Other Flute”, he was set as one of the founders of modern jazz playing.
Sources used:
www.flutehistory.com
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/jazz_flute
members.chello.nl/guidiflute/history.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3usDmsqkdb0