Abstract
Three jazz trombone solo improvisations from 1953 were transcribed and analyzed: "Lover," performed by Jack Teagarden, "Turnpike," performed by J. J. Johnson, and "Frank Speaking," performed by Frank Rosolino. Brief biographical information on each trombonist was presented, as was information on literature related to the study, and a method of analysis. Melody, harmony, rhythm, and stylistic inflection of each solo were discussed, and musical examples from the improvisations were cited to provide emphasis. After analysis, the three solos were compared and contrasted using the above criteria of melody, harmony, rhythm, and stylistic inflection. The conclusion states that while many stylistic similarities and differences exist between the three trombonists' improvisations, their shared philosophies of musicianship confirm their significance in jazz history.