AN ANALYSIS OF ALAN DAWSON’S DRUM SET IMPROVISATION IN THE SONGS ‘PENTA BLUES’ AND ‘AIREGIN’ FROM WALTZIN’ WITH FLO ALBUM

Abstract

This research investigates the musical concepts and structural elements in Alan Dawson’s drum set performances of “Penta Blues” and “Airegin” featured on the album Waltzin’ with Flo. The study specifically examines Dawson's improvisational approaches, the development of primary rhythmic cells, and the application of rudiment. The two selected pieces provide contrasting frameworks for drum improvisation. “Penta Blues,” composed by Dawson, is a 12-bar blues in 5/4 time, featuring an extended solo drum improvisation. In contrast, “Airegin” is a high-tempo jazz standard with an ABAC structure, where Dawson’s improvisations are integrated with solos from other instruments during sections B and C.

The research methodology involved the selection of compositions, a review of biographical and musical materials related to Dawson, and the establishment of a theoretical framework based on the analytical approach of Terry O’Mahoney and other relevant scholarly literature. The drum solos were transcribed by the researcher and verified for accuracy by a thesis advisor. Subsequent analysis led to the synthesis of findings and the completion of the thesis.

The study's results indicate that Dawson demonstrated a high level of mastery in integrating rudiment into his improvisational language. His solos utilized rudiment as foundational rhythmic cells, which were then developed through various musical concepts. Both pieces reveal a strong sense of formal organization and narrative continuity in Dawson's improvisational approach. The insights from this research may offer meaningful contributions to the pedagogy and development of jazz drum performance skills.