Thesis by Clara Lai Monzón
Abstract:
“Kris Davis, an analysis of her composition, improvisation and the interaction between both” is a dissertation based on the investigation of pianist and composer Kris Davis’ music. Through the analysis of different tunes from different albums, this thesis seeks to understand and draw conclusions about the origin of her compositional and improvisational style, as well as present some of her approaches and musical resources that make possible the result of such a personal and creative language. This essay’s methodology is based, for a high percentage of the time, on the analysis of transcriptions of her compositions and solo extracts besides improvised fragments. Some original Kris Davis scores were also used, as well as direct information obtained through an interview, in addition to articles and critic reviews.