Jazz Theory – Jazz Chords
Jazz Chords For this section, a prior knowledge of intervals and chord triads is necessary. In jazz styles, it is rare to see a chord that is […]
Jazz Theory – Syncopation
Syncopation Despite the freedom and improvised nature of jazz music, there are several common elements that help to define something as being jazz. One of the […]
Jazz Theory – Improvisation
Improvisation Jazz improvisation is the process of spontaneously creating fresh melodies over the continuously repeating cycle of chord changes of a tune. The improviser may depend […]
Jazz Theory – The Structure of Jazz
The Structure of Jazz Much of what happens in jazz is strongly influenced by the rather rigid structure of the genre. But, far from being an […]
Jazz Poetry – ‘Woman, I got the Blues’ by Yusef Komunyakaa
Woman, I Got the Blues I’m sporting a floppy existential sky-blue hat when we meet in the Museum of Modern Art. Later, we hold each other […]
Jazz Poetry – ‘Jazz Fantasia’ by Carl Sandburg
Jazz Fantasia Drum on your drums, batter on your banjoes, sob on the long cool winding saxophones. Go to it, O jazzmen. Sling your knuckles on […]
Jazz Poetry – ‘Jazzonia’ by Langston Hughes
Jazzonia Oh, silver tree! Oh, shining rivers of the soul! In a Harlem cabaret Six long-headed jazzers play. A dancing girl whose eyes are bold Lifts […]
