In this lesson you will:

• Identify a variety of musical devices found in Jazz • Look at the roles played by different performers in a jazz ensemble

• Explore techniques of jazz improvisation

The origins of jazz

The origins of jazz are lost in time! The musical roots of jazz seem to grow from a variety of musical cultures that were around in the southern states of the USA at the start of the 20th century. Those musical cultures were strongly in!uenced by African traditions, which had been brought to the USA in the 19th century by black slaves. One of those traditions is call and response singing, where those working together or in nearby locations would sing back and forth in an improvisatory manner to help ease the hardship of their work. European styles and the evolving music of black Americans blended together to create jazz. Jazz offers all musicians (regardless of their musical education) a great opportunity to express themselves in an exciting and different way through improvisation.

Listening

1. Listen to an excerpt of jazz music using the grid below to follow the music.• Note the way the music changes between solo instrument sections and full band sections.• In some parts, and instrument takes an extended solo; in others, an instrument alternates with

the full band.• The solo parts are largely improvised, though certain rules are followed so that this is

successful.

2. Listen again to this music. Write down what you notice about either the solos or the full band.3. What would it be like to play in a jazz ensemble? Think about the freedom you would have to

improvise.

Jazz ImprovisationInformation sheet 1Improvising: the heart of Jazz

Bars: 16 16(4+4+4+4)

16 16 16(2+2+2+2+4+4)

16 4 4 4

Band chords backing + sax solo

Band melody taking turns with solo

Band chorus

Trombone solo

Band taking turns with solos

Band chords backing + sax solo

Band chorus

Piano solo

Final band section

ImprovisingHere are some of the improvising techniques that can be heardin the jazz excerpt you listened to:• Improvising to a backing or beat.• Call and response (taking turns to improvise).• Stop time - where the backing stops and the

Improviser plays alone.• Solos and chorus - improvising solos in the gaps between

choruses, which are played by everybody.

Improvising: practising jazz techniques

4. Now try your own rhythmic improvisation using some of the techniques listed above.

ComposingIn jazz, composing doesn’t mean writing down all the notes or #xing things so they do not change. Jazz composing is more like creating a framework for improvising.

Improvising: practising jazz composition

5. In groups, compose a piece of jazz music.• Use at least two of

the techniques learned this session.

• You could make an outline plan like the one on the front of this information sheet but you do not need to write down all the notes.

• Make sure that everyone in your ensemble has a chance to improvise. They can do this on their own or as part of the ensemble.

A Jazz musician