Jazz's influence on R&B and soul music is profound, shaping their harmonic structures, vocal techniques, and instrumental approaches. From extended chords to scat singing, these genres borrowed heavily from jazz, creating a rich fusion of styles.
The impact of jazz is evident in R&B and soul's use of sophisticated chord progressions, improvisation, and the incorporation of jazz musicians in bands. This cross-pollination resulted in a more complex and expressive sound that defined these genres.
Jazz Influences in R&B and Soul
Jazz harmony in R&B and soul
- Extended chords enrich R&B and soul harmonies using 7th, 9th, and 13th chords (Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder)
- Altered dominant chords add tension and color to progressions (Marvin Gaye)
- Jazz-inspired chord progressions like ii-V-I and turnarounds create sophisticated harmonic movement (Aretha Franklin)
- Harmonic substitutions including tritone substitutions and secondary dominants add complexity (Earth, Wind & Fire)
- Modal influences incorporate Dorian and Mixolydian modes expanding harmonic palette (Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock)
Jazz vocal techniques in R&B
- Scat singing incorporates improvised syllables and melodic lines (Ella Fitzgerald, Al Jarreau)
- Melismatic phrasing embellishes melodies with multiple notes per syllable (Whitney Houston)
- Improvisational vocal runs add expressive ornamentation (Beyoncé)
- Call and response patterns create dialogue between vocalist and band (James Brown)
- Jazz-influenced phrasing and timing emphasize offbeats and syncopation (Frank Sinatra)
- Blue notes in vocal melodies add emotional depth and soulfulness (B.B. King)
Jazz musicians in R&B bands
- Horn sections infuse soul bands with jazz-inspired arrangements and punchy brass riffs (Tower of Power)
- Rhythm sections contribute walking bass lines and syncopated drum patterns (Motown's Funk Brothers)
- Keyboard players incorporate jazz voicings adding harmonic richness (Herbie Hancock in Miles Davis' band)
- Guitar players use jazz-influenced chord voicings and single-note lines (Wes Montgomery, George Benson)
Improvisation in R&B performances
- Solo sections showcase individual musicians' improvisational skills (Prince)
- Trading fours between instruments creates dynamic interplay (James Brown's band)
- Jazz scales in improvised solos utilize bebop scales and pentatonic scales with chromatic approach notes (John Coltrane)
- Rhythmic complexity in improvised lines adds syncopation and polyrhythms (Stevie Wonder)
- Jazz licks and phrases incorporate bebop vocabulary into R&B context (Charlie Parker influence)
- Development of motifs within solos builds coherent musical statements (Miles Davis)