Jazz

Jazz

A style of music characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and usually a regular or forceful rhythm. It emerged at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States from a confluence of African and European music traditions.

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Jazz

trading 4s (or 8s, 2s)

Music; Jazz

A form of discontinuous drum solo in which 4 measure sections are alternately played solo by the drummer, and by the band with another soloist (who goes first). The latter can be one particular ...

close voicing

Music; Jazz

One in which the chord tones are bunched together, generally within an octave range.

diminished triad

Music; Jazz

Triad composed of two stacked minor thirds, root, minor third, and diminished fifth.

walk

Music; Jazz

In bass playing, to play mostly one note per beat, making a smooth, continuous quarter-note line. A fulfillment of the time-keeping function of bass playing, which many bass players have transcended ...

progression

Music; Jazz

A definite series of chords, forming a passage with some harmonic unity or dramatic meaning. One speaks of the progressions that crop up repeatedly in different tunes, and studies how to negotiate ...

west coast school

Music; Jazz

A much criticized label for the 'Cool' style (q. V. ) as it was taken up in California in the early 50s by mostly white players, like Dave Brubeck, Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker and many lesser figures ...

rhythm changes

Music; Jazz

The chords to 'I Got Rhythm' (Gershwin), somewhat modified and simplified. Many Jazz tunes use these changes and every player must know them. There are several variations.