When it comes to jazz, improvisation is an integral part of the genre. Jazz is a type of music that demands a unique and considerable amount of skill. This is because most performances are improvised right on the very spot.
Within jazz, you'll find plenty of variations. While most jazz music consists of rhythmic, melodious notes, you'll see a diverse range of tunes and lyrics. In addition to this, jazz is quite an emotive genre. One can express a number of emotions, be it pain, sadness, or sheer happiness. Not only this, but Jazz music is also associated with being a voice for freedom. So, you see, there is no one particular definition attached to jazz. Like Louis Armstrong, a Jazz veteran, put it: "If you have to ask what jazz is, you will never know." It is a lovely, melodious combination of saxophone, piano, trumpets, and drums.
If you are someone who has recently fallen in love with jazz, then it may be hard for you to make sense of some of the terminology. Yes, jazz has a jargon of its own! I’ve come up with this blog to help you understand important jazz terms. This way, you will get to enjoy the rhythm to the fullest.
Without any further delay, let's dive straight in.
A Section
Typically, an A Section refers to a tune's first section. It consists of eight bars. The common form of a Jazz song structure is AABA. The initial tune is played two times, followed by the Bridge or B section. The A Section is then replayed. This is usually related to solos only.
B Section
This refers to the new melody in the song. It is important to note that there might be some jazz songs that don't come with a B Section, while some will consist of more sections, such as a C Section.
Changes
Those chord progressions are referred to as changes.
Jazz Standard
A tune or melody by a famous jazz musician.
Blow
In Jazz music, to improvise is to blow. Basically, when it comes to instructing a performer to improvise, this term is used.
Cool Jazz
This refers to a more modern contemporary variant of jazz. After World War II, cool jazz emerged in the U.S. and is now known for consisting of lighter tones. It is a combination of formal and classical music arrangements.
Block Chords
Block Chords refers to a method of harmonizing a melody. This is when each note of the chord is moved in parallel. Another term to define this method is locked hands, and these two terms are often used interchangeably. So, don't get confused!
Bebop
Bebop, also called bop, is another variant of jazz. This one also developed in the U.S. in the mid-1940s. It consists of really complex tempos coupled with several key changes. Speaking of this, musicians were able to incorporate a faster tempo as bebop was never developed for dancing.
Lines
This is a term used to define jazz licks. As compared to the blue link, they are longer and thrive on chord changes, unlike a short lick. Short lick tends to fit on just one chord.
Free Jazz
As the name suggests, when it comes to free jazz, there are no set of rules. Musicians don't have to stick to a certain harmonic structure and have creative freedom. It’s all about free playing!
While music has no language, it is always good to explore and grow familiar with your favorite music genre in its truest sense. One way to do so is by supporting independent jazz artists at live performances (in non-pandemic times), or even by enjoying their performances online! You can listen to my music at www.maggysimonsings.com/music to enjoy my renditions of classic hits on my album, Yesterday Once More.
With Love, Maggy