The Creation and Synthesis of Zonal Elastics In Improvisation

Abstract

This research demonstrates a new language and perspective of musical expression, I term as Zonal Elastics. The research asks, if my individual improvisational language can be fundamentally formulated from a newly cultivated methodological system of pentatonic shapes and their transformation, assimilation and synthesis through rhythmic elasticity. A discovery is made early in the process involving intervallic properties, shapes and chromaticism. This changed the research question to how my individual improvisational language can be fundamentally formulated from a new system of five notes. The research cumulatively produces a new language through practise-led improvisation that reflectively forges my musical identity and the subsequent creation of an idiolect for jazz improvisation.

Initially the research thoroughly examines traditional and alternate pentatonic scales which did not directly yield expected results. However, it provided the foundation to organised, melodic and rhythmic pathways, determinant in the creation and synthesis of Zonal Elastics. This transformational study unveils uniquely designed cells of five-note intervallic shapes and properties I term as Zones. The extensive chronological process of unveiling Zone permutation methodology is undertaken to exhaust the search of all conceivable intervallic combinations, shape considerations and overall sound properties. Zones are then transformed and enriched through a comprehensive assimilation of rhythmic pathways I term as Gears. Gears provide new practices, perspectives and conceptions for the elasticity of melodic phrasing and intuitive creation. The innate assimilation of improvisational practise techniques are demonstrated and analysed throughout the research process. This is a treatise about the creation and synthesis of Zonal Elastics, a personalised but universal ideology for jazz improvisation.