Jazz music is a genre of music that originated in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by its unique and distinctive sound that sets it apart from other musical genres. So what makes jazz music sound ‘jazzy’?
One of the key features that make jazz music sound ‘jazzy’ is its improvisational nature. Jazz musicians often improvise their music, meaning that they create music on the spot without prior planning or rehearsal. This improvisation leads to a unique sound that is never repeated and is specific to the performance. Jazz improvisation requires a high level of skill, creativity, and a deep understanding of the music.
Another key feature of jazz music is its use of complex harmonies and chord progressions. Jazz music often utilizes more complex chords than other genres of music, such as the dominant seventh, diminished, and augmented chords. Jazz musicians also use chord progressions that are not commonly found in other genres of music. These complex harmonies and chord progressions give jazz music its unique and jazzy sound.
Jazz music also relies heavily on syncopation. Syncopation is the accenting of notes that are not on the beat, creating a sense of tension and release in the music. Jazz musicians use syncopation to create a groove and swing feel that is essential to the jazz sound.
Another factor that contributes to the jazzy sound of jazz music is the use of extended techniques. Extended techniques refer to non-traditional ways of playing musical instruments. In jazz music, these techniques include things like glissandos, bends, and growls. Jazz musicians also use techniques like vibrato and portamento to create a unique and expressive sound.
Finally, jazz music often features a call and response style of playing. In this style, a soloist will play a phrase, and then another musician or the entire ensemble will respond with a contrasting phrase. This call and response style creates a dynamic and interactive sound that is an essential component of the jazz sound.
In conclusion, jazz music’s unique and jazzy sound can be attributed to its improvisational nature, complex harmonies and chord progressions, use of syncopation, extended techniques, and call and response style of playing. These factors combine to create a sound that is distinct and instantly recognizable as jazz music. The sources for this article are “The Jazz Language: A Theory Text for Jazz Composition and Improvisation” by Dan Haerle and “Jazz Theory: From Basic to Advanced Study” by Dariusz Terefenko.
