Analysis and observations of pre-learnt and idiosyncratic elements in improvisation: a methodology for artistic research in jazz

Historically, in artistic research there has been limited documented methods of analysis in jazz and improvisation applying research methodologies that generate multiple musical discoveries. This chapter examines how influences, processes and idiosyncrasies in musical improvisation in a jazz context, are identified through analysis and observation of selected, recorded performances by the author. It is an artistic research project with two objectives, the first to develop a methodology in jazz analysis that is inclusive of both scientific and artistic methods and the second to contribute to the body of knowledge in spontaneous improvised music research: an area of the art which at this time is beginning to invite intense enquiry through artistic research. The methodology employed is a modification of Jan LaRues’ Guidelines for Style Analysis (1992), which is highly suitable for examining in detail transcribed, improvised performances, and allowing for a macro (large), medium and micro (small) view of the music and performative elements of observation and reflection.