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Editorial
September 19, 1947
The Gary American
Gary, Lake County, Indiana
What is this article about?
Personal opinion on Be-Bop music, describing it as an intuitive, syncopated style without written definition, praised by fans and compared to traditional jazz, with references to artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Eckstine, and Al Hibbler.
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Full Text
HEY BOP-A-RE-BOP
There are millions of individuals who constantly ask the question: "What is Be-Bop?" and no one ever seems to be able to give an answer; incidentally, neither can I. Be-bop has no written definition at all. It's something you feel, it's the extra syncopated beat of a musical selection that's there, yet isn't there. It's not indicated on a sheet of music, because the musicians that interpret it, feel it; they don't read it.
Of course, this is not an authoritative point of view, but a personal one: the view of a be-bop fan.
Old-time jazz holds a bright candle to this new and different expression of music. Persons who don't like, understand or feel be-bop think that it is a bevy of incoherent mumble jumble, and that it may be. Just as a Billy Eckstine or Al Hibbler recording affects some swoony individuals, thus be-bop affects those who are lucky enough to enjoy it.
Ella Fitzgerald's "Lady Be Good" is an excellent interpretation of be-bop. Well, maybe it's a good thing that there aren't very many because those who do say that it takes them 'out of this world,' and jeepers the universe would be empty if everyone was affected like that... and so the be-bop goes.
There are millions of individuals who constantly ask the question: "What is Be-Bop?" and no one ever seems to be able to give an answer; incidentally, neither can I. Be-bop has no written definition at all. It's something you feel, it's the extra syncopated beat of a musical selection that's there, yet isn't there. It's not indicated on a sheet of music, because the musicians that interpret it, feel it; they don't read it.
Of course, this is not an authoritative point of view, but a personal one: the view of a be-bop fan.
Old-time jazz holds a bright candle to this new and different expression of music. Persons who don't like, understand or feel be-bop think that it is a bevy of incoherent mumble jumble, and that it may be. Just as a Billy Eckstine or Al Hibbler recording affects some swoony individuals, thus be-bop affects those who are lucky enough to enjoy it.
Ella Fitzgerald's "Lady Be Good" is an excellent interpretation of be-bop. Well, maybe it's a good thing that there aren't very many because those who do say that it takes them 'out of this world,' and jeepers the universe would be empty if everyone was affected like that... and so the be-bop goes.
What sub-type of article is it?
Music Opinion
Jazz Explanation
What keywords are associated?
Be Bop
Jazz
Syncopated Beat
Ella Fitzgerald
Billy Eckstine
Al Hibbler
Music Interpretation
What entities or persons were involved?
Billy Eckstine
Al Hibbler
Ella Fitzgerald
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Definition And Appreciation Of Be Bop Music
Stance / Tone
Personal Endorsement As A Be Bop Fan
Key Figures
Billy Eckstine
Al Hibbler
Ella Fitzgerald
Key Arguments
Be Bop Has No Written Definition
Be Bop Is Something You Feel, An Extra Syncopated Beat
Musicians Interpret Be Bop Intuitively, Not By Reading
Old Time Jazz Contrasts With New Be Bop Expression
Be Bop Affects Fans Deeply, Like Certain Recordings Affect Listeners
Ella Fitzgerald's 'Lady Be Good' Exemplifies Be Bop