Jazz Terms Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the Rhythm Section?

Instruments that provide the rhythmic foundation (correct)

Instruments that play the melody

A type of improvisation

None of the above

What instruments are typically found in the Front Line?

Saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, trombone.

Syncopation refers to accenting a normally weak beat.

True

What is Vibrato?

Fluctuation of the pitch used as an expressive device. Signup and view all the answers

Define the term 'Chorus' in jazz.

The main body of the song from which it is repeated for solos. Signup and view all the answers

A Riff is a long melodic phrase.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the Walking Bass?

A bass style playing separate tones on each beat Signup and view all the answers

What does Stop Time refer to in jazz?

An accompaniment style where the ensemble accents together. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Chart/Arrangement in music?

An adaptation of a musical composition with written parts. Signup and view all the answers

Collective Improvisation occurs when all members improvise at once.

True Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a Boogie-Wooie style?

Repetitive left-hand bass figures and improvised right-hand melodies. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Solo Break in music?

A short break in the music for a soloist to begin improvisation. Signup and view all the answers

Double Time refers to a speed that is twice as slow.

False Signup and view all the answers

Define Chord Changes / Chord Progression.

A series of chords used for melody harmonization or improvisation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Jazz Standard?

A widely accepted tune in the jazz repertoire. Signup and view all the answers

What does Modulation mean in music?

Moving from one key to another. Signup and view all the answers

What is Voicing in the context of chords?

Describing which pitches are used to spell a chord. Signup and view all the answers

What is Swing Rhythm based on?

A triplet subdivision of the basic pulse. Signup and view all the answers

What are Chops in music?

Technical proficiency on an instrument. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a Turnaround in music?

A short series of chords establishing a key center. Signup and view all the answers

What does Voice Leading refer to?

How notes in a chord move to the following chord. Signup and view all the answers

What are Block Chords?

Chords that move in parallel motion. Signup and view all the answers

Define Comping in jazz.

Accompanying; how a rhythm section plays behind a soloist. Signup and view all the answers

What is Scat Singing?

Singing using nonsense syllables in an improvised solo. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a Ballad?

A piece played at a very slow tempo. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Jam Session?

An informal gathering for musicians to improvise and play together. Signup and view all the answers

What does a Ride Cymbal Pattern do?

Plays a rhythmic pattern on cymbals for timekeeping. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Arpeggio?

Notes of a chord played sequentially. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Coda?

The ending of a piece made up of material outside the song structure. Signup and view all the answers

Define a Fake Book.

A compilation of songs indicating only melody line and chord progressions. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Trading 4's' mean in jazz?

When two or more instruments trade solo statements of 4 or 8 bars. Signup and view all the answers

What is Harmonic Rhythm?

The pace at which the chord progression moves. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Vamp?

A short chord progression often repeated for intros and endings. Signup and view all the answers

What does Modal Jazz refer to?

A style based on arrangements of modes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Bossa Nova?

A Brazilian style of music derived from samba. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jazz Terms Overview

Rhythm Section: Consists of instruments providing rhythmic and harmonic foundation; includes piano, bass, guitar, drums, tuba, and banjo.
Front Line: Instruments that play melody and improvise solos; includes saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone.
Syncopation: Emphasizing normally weak beats within music, creating a rhythmic surprise.
Vibrato: Pitch fluctuation of vocals or instruments for expressive effects.
Chorus: Main section of a song that repeats multiple times for solos.
Riff: A repeated short melodic phrase, often utilized by soloists or groups.
Two-Feel: Rhythmic style in which distinct tones are played on each beat of the measure.
Walking Bass: Bass technique with unique tones played on each beat, creating a continuous feel.
Stop Time: Accompaniment technique where the ensemble accents the first beat of each bar, allowing soloists to shine.
Chart/Arrangement: Detailed musical composition outlining individual parts for each musician.
Collective Improvisation: A simultaneous improvisation by all group members, enhancing ensemble interaction.
Boogie-Wooie: Piano style featuring repetitive left-hand bass and improvisational right-hand melodies.
Solo Break: Brief pause in music allowing soloists to begin improvisation.
Double Time/Double Time Feel: Experience where the tempo is perceived as twice as fast.
Chord Changes/Chord Progression: Series of chords forming the framework for melody and improvisation.
Jazz Standard: Established repertoire of tunes known by most jazz musicians, often composed for Broadway or Hollywood; commonly follows a 32-Bar AABA structure.
Modulation: Transition from one key to another within a piece of music.
Voicing: Specific selection of pitches used in chord construction.
Swing Rhythm: Based on triplet subdivision, creating a unique feel in jazz.
Chops: Slang for technical skill or proficiency on an instrument.
Turnaround: Sequence of chords designed to establish a key center.
Voice Leading: Description of how individual notes in chords progress to subsequent chords.
Block Chords: Chords played in parallel motion, creating a harmonically rich sound.
Comping: Accompanying style in which rhythm section supports soloists.
Scat Singing: Vocal improvisation using nonsensical syllables, typical in jazz solos.
Ballad: Slow, emotional piece typically characterized by avery slow tempo.
Jam Session: Informal gathering for musicians to improvise solo on jazz standards, fostering creativity.
Ride Cymbal Pattern: Drumming technique serving as the primary time-keeping element.
Arpeggio: Playing notes of a chord in sequence rather than simultaneously.
Coda: Concluding segment of a piece, often differing from the main structure.
Fake Book: Collection of songs in simple form, showing only melody and chord progressions for performers.
Trading 4's (or 8's): When musicians alternate improvised solo statements of 4 or 8 bars.
Harmonic Rhythm: Speed at which chords transition in the tune.
Vamp: Brief repeated chord progression often employed in introductions and endings.
Modal Jazz: Style of jazz relying on modes rather than traditional chord progressions.
Bossa Nova: Brazilian music genre blending samba with enriched harmonic and melodic elements.

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Description

Test your knowledge of essential jazz terms with these flashcards. Learn about key concepts such as the rhythm section, front line instruments, and syncopation that form the foundation of jazz music. Perfect for music students and jazz enthusiasts alike!