Jazz musicians title their songs in various ways, and the title of a jazz song often gives some insight into the piece’s content or theme. Some jazz musicians choose to use descriptive titles, which are straightforward and descriptive of the song’s content, while others opt for more abstract titles that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. There is no set formula for how jazz musicians title their songs, but there are some common approaches.
One approach that some jazz musicians use is to title their songs after the melody or musical theme that forms the core of the piece. For example, the song “Take the A Train,” composed by Billy Strayhorn and made famous by Duke Ellington, takes its title from the New York subway line that ran from Brooklyn to Harlem. The melody of the song is based on the sound of the train’s whistle, and the title reflects that musical theme.
Another approach that jazz musicians take is to use titles that reflect the mood or atmosphere of the piece. For example, the song “Round Midnight,” composed by Thelonious Monk, takes its title from the late-night hours when many jazz musicians perform. The song’s slow, melancholic melody reflects the quiet, reflective mood of those hours.
Some jazz musicians use titles that reflect the historical or cultural context of the piece. For example, the song “Mood Indigo,” composed by Duke Ellington, takes its title from a term used in the African American community to describe the feeling of sadness or depression. The song’s slow, bluesy melody reflects that mood.
Jazz musicians may also use titles that reflect personal experiences or emotions. For example, the song “Giant Steps,” composed by John Coltrane, takes its title from the challenges that Coltrane faced in his personal life and career at the time of its composition. The song’s complex, rapid-fire melody reflects those challenges.
In conclusion, jazz musicians use a variety of approaches to title their songs, including descriptive titles based on musical themes, titles that reflect mood or atmosphere, titles that reflect historical or cultural context, and titles that reflect personal experiences or emotions. The title of a jazz song can provide valuable insight into the piece’s content or theme, and the variety of approaches that jazz musicians take to titling their songs reflects the diverse nature of the genre itself.
Source:
- JazzStandards.com – Mood Indigo – https://www.jazzstandards.com/compositions-1/moodindigo.htm
- NPR – How ‘Round Midnight’ Became Jazz’s Most Enduring Standard – https://www.npr.org/2014/09/05/345044497/how-round-midnight-became-jazzs-most-enduring-standard
