The speaker in the poem documents the experience of listening to a piano player in Harlem play the blues. Steven Tracy's compelling argument asserts that the piano player and speaker are united by the performance. ... In my view, the poem works out Hughes's apprehension, his feeling that his ability to understand the emotions that generated this form of artistic expression was not on a par with the expression itself This is indicated by the last line of the poem, where the speaker notes that the piano player "slept like a rock or a man that's dead." ... Rather, the piano play...

• Word Count: 547
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

This type of jazz used a lot of instrumentation: Trumpet; clarinet; trombone, sax, piano; guitar (usually), bass, drums. ... The piano, drums, bass and guitar are designated as a rhythm section. ... It was published in 1899 and cut as a piano roll in 1916 with the composer allegedly at the piano. ... Then on the last chorus Armstrong quickly rises to a high b-flat and holds the note for four whole bars. When the strain of the notes length and height is at its maximum, he releases it, lurching downward again and again. ...

• Word Count: 1230
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

After the solo, there is an obvious dynamic drop to piano, and then a huge crescendo back to double forte. ... Most of the song is played with a swing feel on the hi-hat, and the bass notes are really plucked throughout the whole song. ...

• Word Count: 301
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: High School

In contrast, he uses the acoustic guitar, the upright bass, traditional drum kit, and a grand piano. ... And the precision of the band just makes you want to dance when you hear the power of the notes. ...

• Word Count: 913
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

Chicago, Illinois Chicago was having issues with crime and violence in the 1920's and 1930's. The growth of the population weakened the ability of Chicago's governmental system to operate effectively. Crime in the city was growing because kids were exposed to it at young ages so it was influenced on...

• Word Count: 1116
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School