The Creative Process of Ira Sullivan

by Brewer, Peter W.

Six Ira Sullivan performances were analyzed from studio and live recordings spanning the years 1962 to 1998. Sullivan plays different musical instruments on five of the six selections: trumpet, flute, tenor saxophone, alto saxophone (2 selections), and soprano saxophone. Musical facets considered include phrasing (length/placement), melodic contour, lyricism, harmonic phenomenon, and concept of sound. Common musical threads within Sullivans improvisations were expected to be found throughout all performances. A call and response dynamic across myriad musical fundamentals such as melody, harmony, and rhythm was found to be present and seems to form a basis for much of Ira Sullivans improvisations. This and other broad traits common to Sullivans improvisations are presented herein through analysis.