Jazz - General

Question 1

What are 5 common features of Melody in Jazz?

Answer 1

• Stepwise/leap
• Repetition
• Scalic/arpeggio
• Q&A phrases
• Chromatic runs

Question 2

What is meant by ‘trading fours’?

Answer 2

‘Trading fours’ is where soloists share
improvisation by playing four bars each in a question and answer style.

Question 3

What are 4 common Tonalities in Jazz?

Answer 3

• Major
• Minor
• Modal
• Pentatonic.

Question 4

What are 2 common features of Music/Lyrics in Jazz?

Answer 4

• Importance of lyric setting (syllabic/ melismatic)
• Use of scat singing.

Question 5

What are 3 common features of Harmonic Language in Jazz?

Answer 5

• Added chord, 7ths, 9ths, 11ths and 13ths
• Blues notes
• Understanding of chord symbols

Question 6

What are 5 common features of Texture in Jazz?

Answer 6

• Monophonic
• Homophonic
• Polyphonic
• Layering
• Collective improvisation.

Question 7

What are common features of Tempo, Metre and Rhythm?

Answer 7

Adagio, andante, allegro.
Dave Brubeck explored different time signatures. Dotted rhythms, syncopation, triplets, scotch snap, swing quavers.

Question 8

What is the common Instrumentation of Jazz? (Front line and Rhythm section)

Answer 8

Front line: ‘horns’ saxophones, trumpets, trombones, clarinets.
Rhythm section: piano (guitar/banjo), bass and drum kit.

Question 9

What are 2 common Structures/Forms in Jazz?

Answer 9

• 32 bar song form (AABA)
• 12 bar blues