Jazz and Blues key words

Question 1

Improvisation

Answer 1

When music is created as it is being performed i.e. it is made up on the spot

Question 2

Pentatonic

Answer 2

A scale consisting of five notes

C pentatonic scale is: C, Eb, F, G, Bb

Question 3

Performers of early blues music are…

Answer 3

Sonny Boy Williamson, Big Bill Broonzy, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith

Question 4

Swing Style

Answer 4

It is the unequal performance of note (e.g. swung quavers) that is characteristic of most types of jazz. It gives a triplet rhythm feel to the beat.

Question 5

Stanza

Answer 5

Another word for a verse

Question 6

Call and Response

Answer 6

Leader calling/singing a line responded by the rest of the group singing/playing the same phrase

Question 7

Blues Scale

Answer 7

Minor pentatonic scale with an extra note that is flattened by a 5th

Question 8

Blues notes

Answer 8

Expressive notes for the sound. Sometimes called ‘worried notes’ and are changed by a semitone or sometimes less than that.

Question 9

Rhythmic feature examples

Answer 9

‘Swing rhythm’ and syncopation

Question 10

Riff

Answer 10

A short motif or pattern that is repeated in the music.

Question 11

Jazz styles

Answer 11

Dixieland + New Orleans- early 20th century, Chicago style + Boogie-woogie- 20’s, Kansas City + Swing/big band- 30’s, Bebop + Latin jazz + Cool Jazz, Modal jazz- 50’s and 60’s, Jazz-rock fusion- late 60’s, Contemporary jazz- 80’s to present

Question 12

Rhythm section

Answer 12

Bass, drummer, someone playing chords (usually keyboard or guitarist)

Question 13

Lead sheet

Answer 13

Contains the melody, the chord progressions and lyrics if a song.

Question 14

Role of a drummer

Answer 14

Keep a steady beat, add excitement, works with bass player to lay down a ‘groove’, supports improvisations and fills between phrases and sections.

Question 15

Role of bass player

Answer 15

Lays down a ‘groove’, works with drummer to establish the beat, plays root notes and chords and supports other harmonies.

Question 16

Role of a keyboard player or guitarist

Answer 16

Plays chords in interesting way and accompanies the tune called comping

Question 17

A swing band

Answer 17

Count Basie Orchestra

Question 18

Standard

Answer 18

A jazz song becomes known as this when it becomes a regular par to the repertoire of many different bands.

Question 19

Head

Answer 19

How jazz musicians refer to the main melody in a song, or jazz composition, often heard at the beginning and end of a performance

Question 20

Chorus