- M-Base
M-Base (short for "macro-basic array of structured extemporization") is a concept of how to create modern
music . It reached its peak in the mid-to-late-80s and early 90s. It was also a word used to reference a collective of musicians, poets and dancers in this same time period who were associated with the movement. M-Base is often seen as a kind ofjazz , but, strictly speaking, this is not entirely accurate, and the participants do not view M-Base in this manner.M-Base is built on the innovations of
Charlie Parker ,John Coltrane , along with many otherspontaneous composer s. It is also influenced by the rhythmic innovations of many of the groups led by singer James Brown, as well as having direct roots in West African Music and West African cultural and philosophical ideas. One of its most noticeable musical traits is the innovative use of overlapping rhythmic cycles of various lengths inside of which the participants improvise, giving the music an unpredictable form. Other characteristics are curvilinear melodic elements, non-standard harmonic structures coupled with a mastery of improvisation based on these forms, resulting in a decidedly non-western cultural and philosophical bent.Some of the main exponents of this concept in the 1980s – 1990s were saxophonist
Steve Coleman (whose present style is an extension of these ideas), saxophonistGreg Osby , vocalistCassandra Wilson , trombonistRobin Eubanks , and saxophonistGary Thomas , who are all still active in music performing and recording. Their more recent performances, especially Coleman’s, still demonstrate a debt to M-Base. Additionally, many newer musicians in the spontaneous composition arena – along with various artists in other areas utilizing spontaneous creation in poetry, dance, and popular forms likeHip-Hop – are also heavily influenced by the M-Base conception.External links
* [http://www.m-base.com/mbase.html What is M-Base?]
* [http://www.cnmat.berkeley.edu/%7Evijay/toc.html Steve Coleman, M-Base, and Music Collectivism by Vijay Iyer]
* [http://www.m-base.com/m-base_collective.html M-Base Collective]
* [http://www.allaboutjazz.com/iviews/osby.htm Greg Osby Interview]
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