Critical Listening #10: Boplicity

This week I'd like to examine a Miles Davis tune from the album "Birth of the Cool" called "Boplicity". "Birth of the Cool" was released in 1956 by the Miles Davis Nonet through Capitol Records. It would later lend its name to the "cool jazz" movement. Here is "Boplicity"...

"Boplicity" is a wonderful piece that swings hard, but still stays "cool" throughout its entirety. The melody seems to almost pull against the rhythm as if it would like to go even slower if possible. It gives the piece a remarkably laid back feel but keeps the undercurrent of tension that is typical of this era of jazz. 

(no introduction)

8 bar A 

8 bar A  

8 bar B 

8 bar A 

8 bar A sax solo

8 bar A sax solo

6 bar B' ensemble

8 bar A trumpet solo

4 bar bridge

8 bar A trumpet solo

8 bar A trumpet solo

8 bar B piano solo

8 bar A ensemble 

The form on this piece is a little strange. It begins as a 32 bar AABA popular song, but the solo section rearranges this basic form, as does the 6 B' section. The band has a very clear and crisp sound as they play the melody in their lower register. The rhythm section is very interactive, especially the drummer. The drummer uses brushes to add to the mellow sound of the piece. He is also very attentive to add fills and "set up" the new section. 

There are three soloists in this piece: sax, trumpet, and piano. The sax solo is very bluesy with plentiful bent notes. It is only 16 bars but seems longer because of the player's complete relaxation. The piano comps underneath uses simple block chords. The trumpet solo is louder and, in my opinion, full of emotion. The trumpet solo seems to build on the main theme especially when he is backed by the ensemble. The piano solo is a simple 8 bar solo, but it is very interesting because of the pianist's use of space. For a whole bar of his solo (the fifth one to be exact) he plays absolutely nothing, letting the audience wonder what will come next. It's an excellent technique at creating interest and tension. 

This piece, while not difficult or long, is a quirky little tune that is both easy and enjoyable to listen to. The soloists show a great deal of experience by being completely at ease. The ensemble seems to epitomize "cool" and its no wonder that the "cool" movement took their name from this album.