The Melodic Rhythmic Analysis Of JOHN ELLIS

Abstract

           John Ellis is a saxophonist and composer with a distinctive identity in terms of his use of rhythmic groups in performance, which sets him apart from other saxophonists and is worthy of study.
           This research aims to study and analyze rhythmic groupings and improvised melodic line of John Ellis, saxophonist and composer, who possesses a unique playing style using rhythmic groupings. The researcher chose to transcribe and analyze “When the world was young” which comprised of 6 songs: 1. Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are 2. Star Eyes 3. When the world was young 4. How high the moon 5. Solar and 6. Goodbye. The compositions have different forms, tempi and styles.    
         Transcription and analysis yield the result that can be divided into following topics: 1. Motif development 2. Rhythmic and melodic displacement, and 3. Questions and answers. This results in gaining freedom in constructing melodic lines by using complex rhythmic and melodic groupings.  This results in the creation of complex phrases using rhythmic groups and melodies, leading to the production of one original compositions as examples: 1. All the things you are (Jerome Kern) The analysis reveals that John Ellis' use of these techniques exemplifies characteristics of phrase construction, movement of subdivision​ rhythms, use of pauses, and the creation of phrases through the expansion of rhythmic groups.