Jazz songs and styles explained

In the 2014 film, WhipA young man named Andrew aims to become an incredible jazz drummer, leading to a series of intense musical performances based on real jazz music. Although Whip is often praised for its excellent performance by Whip talented cast, or its fast-paced direction by Damien Chazelle, what really stands out about this film is its use of music. It’s no surprise that the film won the Oscar for Best Sound Mixing in 2015. Whip It wouldn’t be the fantastic film it is without the careful use of jazz music.

Whip it may be a film about music, but it is far from being a typical musical film. Instead of, Whip uses specific jazz songs, sometimes repeatedly, to emphasize the difficulty of the genre. Andrew isn’t playing this song with glee, but he’s practically haunted by it. He plays so much that he sweats and bleeds and ultimately almost loses his life. In this way, Whip the song addresses the horrors of being a professional musician and how being the best may not be as rewarding as it seems. Whip the soundtrack highlights the film’s highest and lowest moments.

What jazz songs are used in Whiplash and when they play

Whiplash’s original music versus its historical jazz

THE Whip The soundtrack is made up of two sections: the score written specifically for the film and the jazz songs themselves included in the film. Most of the soundtrack was created especially for Whip, and was written by Justin Hurwitz, who later worked on Chazelle’s film, La La Land. Hurwitz also had Tim Simonec conduct his plays. Most of the time, these original songs have titles that indicate when they appear in the film.

Classic Jazz Songs by Whiplash

General, there are three songs in Whip which were pre-existing jazz songs. Arguably these are the most notable songs in the entire film, and most of the time they are played more than once. These are the pieces that Andrew must strive to learn, along with the rest of Fletcher’s band. More than that, these are the songs that audiences will likely remember after seeing the film. They have catchy rhythms, complex compositions and encapsulate the intense atmosphere of the film in question.

“Whiplash” by Hank Levy: The first jazz song played in Whip is the title song, “Whiplash.” Surprisingly, ‘Whiplash’ never fully plays out in the film, but it is at the center of one of the most iconic scenes. During Andrew’s first rehearsal with Fletcher’s band, the students are instructed to play “Whiplash”. They start the song over and over again as Fletcher continually points out mistakes, causing increasing tension. Eventually, Fletcher explodes at his students, showing Andrew (and the audience) how difficult and scary Fletcher can be.

“Caravan” by Duke Ellington: The second greatest jazz song to appear in Whip is “Caravan”. Unlike Hank Levy’s “Whiplash,” “Caravan” often plays throughout the film, not just in the small moments but in the big ones as well. The most important scene in which “Caravan” plays is the middle climax of Whip. After suffering a shocking car accident, Andrew arrives late for the band’s big performance and doesn’t play “Caravan”. adding a tremendous drum solo at the end. This scene is almost gut-wrenching to see Andrew bleeding on the drums and letting Fletcher down.

“Intoit” by Stan Getz: Finally, there is “Intoit” by Stan Getz. Notably, “Intoit” is a much subtler piece near the end of Whip. It doesn’t have the same fast and lively rhythm as “Caravan” and it doesn’t have the importance of the title song, “Whiplash”. However, “Intoit” adds to the Whip soundtrack because of its story certified as a true jazz song. It wasn’t created for the film, but it fits perfectly within it, deepening the world of Whip jazz musicians.

Where to listen to Whiplash’s original jazz music and score

Whiplash has inspired countless playlists

Fortunately, those who are interested in revisiting Whip the soundtrack can be easily found on any music platformincluding Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube Music and Amazon Music. All 24 songs are included on this album, from Hurwitz’s original pieces to the real jazz songs featured in the film. Notably, the soundtrack also follows the chronological order of the film, which allows the listener to relive the film through the music itself. Songs range from over nine minutes to just over 30 seconds.

Whip lovers can definitely search for the film’s official soundtrack, but they can also explore other playlists made by other fans. Spotify has several Whip inspired playlists which include songs from the film, along with songs they consider related to certain characters, such as Andrew or Fletcher. Additionally, there are many playlists that list jazz similar to that featured in Whip, for those who are particularly interested in jazz. Even the soundtracks to Chazelle’s other films can be interesting, as his projects often have a specific focus on music.

What types of jazz are used in Whiplash

Whiplash’s jazz is classic and rigorous

The music of Whip is important, not only because it characterizes the films, but also because it offers hints about the world Andrew is entering. Although jazz can often be seen as a rather casual genre that relies on improvisation and collaboration, jazz in Whip it’s exactly the opposite. Fletcher expects absolute perfection from his students, and they are not really encouraged to take their pieces in new directions. In general, jazz played in Whip is Big Band Jazz and Classical Jazz Standards.

General, Whip It uses music in a way that isn’t often done in films. Although there are musical films and musical biopics Whip uses its soundtrack to create tension, not joy. The score is historical, emotional and evocative. The songs don’t move the plot forward, but they create an unforgettable atmosphere. However, Whip it probably wouldn’t have been as successful if it weren’t for Chazelle and Hurwitz’s specific use of jazz.