There are two impressions that jazz usually gives to a listener: either a sense of freedom on which music is built or an image of its strict and sophisticated structure. This article explores the combination of two opposite qualities in jazz and studies the uniqueness of the genre.
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Jazz is a well-defined and self-sufficient genre that catches the listener’s attention and strikes one’s perception with a special approach to music. It uses unexpected musical plot twists and generally is very different from other styles, which makes it often associated with a sense of freedom. This is a driving force of the composer’s, performer’s work, and, eventually, a listener’s experience. The role that the concept of freedom plays in jazz is undeniable. It has its roots in the history of the revolutionist African Americans who used music as a form of protest to liberate themselves. The genre was formed on these people’s will to be free and their genuine and unbiased understanding of music.
Considering how jazz music was invented, it is clear that it was not built on the same ground as classical music. This conceptual difference impacted what was considered beautiful to listen to and, therefore, forming composition rules.
It is important to mention that classical music and jazz have the same base in terms of music theory. Yet it still can be stated that jazz possesses its own specific features. Indeed, to achieve such a unique sound, there have to be some concrete patterns to follow. Here is when strictness unravels. It comes out of the perception of what sounds like jazz and what doesn’t. In order to master the genre, modern musicians spend a lot of time studying jazz standards to truly understand it, to train their ears, and to learn the key rules to use afterward in their compositions.
Some of the main jazz theory aspects are extended harmony (jazz uses chords with added notes like 9th, 11th, and 13th when classical music doesn’t usually go for more than a 7th), call and response pattern, rhythmic specifics like swing and syncopation, walking bass and double bass. The setting of a jazz band can vary, however, it would consist of some of the instruments like keyboard, percussion, double bass, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, clarinet, and electric guitar. Although these instruments usually deliver the feeling of jazz in the best way, a true master could apply their knowledge to any other one and get the desired effect. A great example of such work is Dorothy Ashby who successfully built her jazz music using a harp. This emphasizes the importance of theory in jazz and shows how strict knowledge can make an artist truly free in their craft.
Another jazz element of great importance is improvisation. Seemingly, an act of complete freedom, yet, again, hardly possible without previous training. Improvisation plays a key role in jazz and represents its main values and approaches in a beautiful way. It shows how one must undertake hard work and empowerment to then be able to let it all go, almost creating magic, mesmerizing the audience.
Jazz music shines with genuinity and uniqueness, it awakens desires to be more and make more, better. It is a true gem in the musical realm that connects even the opposites.
To conclude, jazz music combines the characteristics of strictness and freedom in its conceptual and technical aspects. Freedom was a force that formed the genre and now represents it through historical values, uniqueness of sound, and technique of improvisation. Meanwhile, mastering jazz requires a deep understanding of its coloration and a strong knowledge of rules. Only after going through the strictness of genre’s specifics, a jazz musician unlocks freedom in composition and performing.
Resourses:
“The history of jazz” – Ted Goia;
Ralia Morgan on jazz band setting for Radio Art (01.11.2022);
Dorothy Ashby – topic on YouTube;
Jazz Theory overview – TJPS.
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