I understand that often times jazz is improvised, but how, exactly? For instance, who leads? Is it always the same person/instrument leading?
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**Usually** (like on studio albums) they are playing a song that they all know, and most of the improvisation is trading solos.
***BUT***
A group of good musicians can also just “jam,” making up a new song as they go. I suspect this is the kind of improvisation you’re really wondering about.
It’s like that game kids play where everyone takes turns contributing a single word to a story. EXCEPT kids are usually trying to be funny or shocking. In other words, they are intentionally NOT trying to make a good story. Imagine playing that game, but everyone is *really* trying to be collaborative.
All of the musicians “speak the same language”. They know what *kind* of story they’re telling. They all listen to each other intently. They can “feel” what musical phrases or key changes would naturally come next.
The part I’m having the most trouble analogizing is how they trade off leading. They are NOT just going around a circle taking turns. They all allow each other room to lead. And each member will stop leading when someone else wants to take the lead. I think the actual signal is a combination of body language and a subtle change in the way you are playing your instrument. But it’s something that experienced musicians can pick up on. So I guess it’s just another part of that language.
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