The jazz concepts of Rick Margitza

This project is an analysis of the jazz improvisation concepts utilized by tenor saxophonist Rick Margitza. This analysis will be drawn from a series of nine written transcriptions of improvised solos that span from 1986 to 2005 in Margitza’s recording career. Eight of the nine improvised solos are based on original compositions by Margitza, which have been commercially released on various labels. One of the improvisations is on the jazz standard “Body and Soul” from a version released by trumpeter Maynard Ferguson in 1986. This analysis will be divided into three chapters focused on Margitza’s harmonic, melodic and rhythmic improvisational concepts. Most of the project will compare and contrast the concepts Margitza has integrated into his methodology to those of historically influential players and composers with similar or contrasting musical concepts and goals. The rationale for using this compare and contrast method of analysis is 1) to put Margitza into historical context and 2) to help clear a path in order to identify any innovations, discoveries and/or variations unique to Rick Margitza’s approach. Knowing that a great portion of Margitza’s approach is based on well-established musical concepts that are rooted in jazz, it is my intention to reveal improvisational similarities to other established jazz musicians and show additional or re-worked concepts that could be deemed as unique to Margitza. The biographical section of this thesis is based on interviews the author has conducted with Margitza, as well as interviews with two of Margitza’s former mentors, Professor Gary Campbell and Professor Ron Miller from the University of Miami.U of I OnlySchool of Music polic