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 songs have a structure within which variation is possible. For example the structure could be expressed by chords strummed by a guitarist. As long as the musicians are aware of the structure and play music that more or less fits with the structure, they have a lot of leeway. Skilled jazz player are able to push the boundaries of what can fit inside a particular song’s structure
In some cases the band might have some kind of anchor, like the strumming guitarist, or a drummer, playing a fixed, conventional part to keep everybody aware of where they are in the song but in other cases, the entire ensemble might be aware of the structure in their minds, but might all be improvising to a shared mental image of the song’s structure.
First of all, most of the time on jazz they are playing a standard song that musicians already know. They usually know the song’s chord structure so they know how the musical language to solo. If they don’t know it they’ll play by ear and/or use more generalized language to fill the solo until they learn it.
Jazz songs start with a “head,” or the main melody and then usually do solos after and trade around, then go to the melody again and end.
Regarding coordination, experienced players have an intuitive psychic connection and can figure it out on their own silently. Someone will step up take a certain amount of measures, and then someone else will step in when it feels like they’re done. Even if there is a slight miscommunication they can figure it out quickly and adjust. The rhythm section (bass, drums) can also make adjustments based on the notes soloists are playing and when they are transitioning the song.
Usually songs have a structure within which variation is possible. For example the structure could be expressed by chords strummed by a guitarist. As long as the musicians are aware of the structure and play music that more or less fits with the structure, they have a lot of leeway. Skilled jazz player are able to push the boundaries of what can fit inside a particular song’s structure
In some cases the band might have some kind of anchor, like the strumming guitarist, or a drummer, playing a fixed, conventional part to keep everybody aware of where they are in the song but in other cases, the entire ensemble might be aware of the structure in their minds, but might all be improvising to a shared mental image of the song’s structure.
Usually songs have a structure within which variation is possible. For example the structure could be expressed by chords strummed by a guitarist. As long as the musicians are aware of the structure and play music that more or less fits with the structure, they have a lot of leeway. Skilled jazz player are able to push the boundaries of what can fit inside a particular song’s structure
In some cases the band might have some kind of anchor, like the strumming guitarist, or a drummer, playing a fixed, conventional part to keep everybody aware of where they are in the song but in other cases, the entire ensemble might be aware of the structure in their minds, but might all be improvising to a shared mental image of the song’s structure.
The way I experienced being a musician is that you first learn how to play the instrument and become fluent. Then you express yourself through the instrument. A jam sesh is when the same musical vibe is felt by all the musicians involved and they essentially freestyle a song.
The way I experienced being a musician is that you first learn how to play the instrument and become fluent. Then you express yourself through the instrument. A jam sesh is when the same musical vibe is felt by all the musicians involved and they essentially freestyle a song.
The way I experienced being a musician is that you first learn how to play the instrument and become fluent. Then you express yourself through the instrument. A jam sesh is when the same musical vibe is felt by all the musicians involved and they essentially freestyle a song.
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