Jazz History Exam II (Terminology)

What is "timbre" in music?

refers to the unique tone quality or color of a sound, which allows us to distinguish between different instruments or voices even when they are playing the same pitch. It is often described using terms like bright, warm, rich, or hollow.

What is "timbre variation" in jazz?

a variation refers to changing the tone quality of an instrument to create different colors or textures in the sound. Musicians can alter timbre by adjusting their technique, dynamics, or using mutes (on brass instruments), for example.

What is "syncopation" in jazz?

occurs when a rhythm is shifted so that emphasis is placed on off-beats or weaker beats of the measure, creating an unexpected or "off-kilter" feel. It is a fundamental aspect of jazz, adding to its groove and swing.

What is the "backbeat" in jazz rhythm?

refers to the emphasis placed on the second and fourth beats in 4/4 time, which creates a strong, syncopated rhythm often heard in jazz, rock, and blues. It is typically played by the snare drum in jazz drumming.

What is a "walking bass"?

is a bass line that moves in steady quarter notes, typically outlining the harmonic progression of the song. It creates a smooth, continuous foundation for the music, driving the rhythm section forward.

What is a "blue note" in jazz?

a note that is slightly flattened or bent, typically the third, fifth, or seventh scale degree, creating a bluesy, expressive sound. It is a key element in the blues scale and jazz improvisation.

What is a "harmonic progression" (i.e., "changes") in jazz?

refers to the sequence of chords in a piece of music. Jazz musicians often improvise over these progressions, using their understanding of the harmony to create interesting melodies and solos.

What is a "riff" in jazz?

a repeated short melodic phrase or motif, often used in the melody or as a background figure. It is typically syncopated and forms the foundation for solos or improvisation.

What is a "chorus" in jazz?

refers to one complete cycle of the song's form, usually consisting of a specific number of bars (e.g., 12 bars in blues form or 32 bars in AABA form). Musicians often improvise during the chorus over the harmonic changes.

What is the "head" in jazz?

the main theme or melody of a jazz composition. It is typically played at the beginning and end of the performance, with improvisation occurring in the middle.

What does "comping" mean in jazz?

refers to the way a rhythm section (usually piano, guitar, or drums) provides harmonic support for the soloist. It involves playing chords or rhythms in a way that complements and interacts with the soloist’s improvisation.

What is improvisation in jazz?

the spontaneous creation of melodies and solos in real-time, allowing musicians to express themselves individually while still being guided by the harmony and rhythm of the piece.

What is "melodic paraphrase" in jazz improvisation?

refers to the technique of taking a pre-existing melody and altering it by changing rhythms, intervals, or adding ornamentation while still maintaining the original melodic contour. It is a way for musicians to put their personal stamp on a familiar theme.

What is "harmonic improvisation"?

involves improvising over the chord changes of a song. The soloist creates melodies that fit with the underlying harmonic structure, often emphasizing the chord tones and using passing tones to connect them smoothly.

What is "modal improvisation" in jazz?

the use of scales (modes) rather than traditional chord changes. Musicians improvise using a particular mode or scale, giving the solo a more static harmonic quality and allowing for freer melodic expression.