Jazz harmonies

Definition

Jazz harmonies refer to the unique chord structures and progressions used in jazz music, often characterized by extended chords, altered chords, and complex voicings. These harmonies create a rich and colorful sound, allowing for greater improvisational freedom and emotional expression within the music. Jazz harmonies often incorporate elements from classical music, blues, and other genres, contributing to the distinctiveness of jazz as a musical style.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jazz harmonies often utilize seventh chords, which add depth and complexity to the sound compared to basic triads.
2. Common progressions in jazz harmonies include the ii-V-I progression, which is a foundational element in many jazz standards.
3. Improvisation is heavily influenced by jazz harmonies, as musicians often explore different melodic ideas over shifting harmonic landscapes.
4. Jazz harmonies can incorporate modal interchange, where chords from different scales or modes are blended to create unique sounds.
5. The use of substitutions and alterations in jazz harmonies allows musicians to create unexpected turns in the music, keeping it fresh and engaging.

Review Questions

• How do jazz harmonies differ from traditional pop or rock harmonies?
  • Jazz harmonies are typically more complex than those found in traditional pop or rock music. While pop and rock often rely on simple major and minor triads, jazz incorporates extended chords, altered chords, and intricate voicings that add richness and depth. This complexity allows for more creative expression and improvisation within jazz music, distinguishing it from the more straightforward harmonic structures commonly found in pop and rock genres.
• Discuss the role of chord progressions in shaping the overall structure of a jazz composition.
  • Chord progressions play a crucial role in shaping jazz compositions by providing a framework for melodic development and improvisation. Common progressions, such as ii-V-I, create a sense of tension and resolution that guides both composers and performers. By varying these progressions through substitutions and alterations, musicians can enhance emotional impact and keep listeners engaged while also offering opportunities for spontaneous creativity during solos.
• Evaluate how the use of altered and extended chords contributes to the evolution of jazz as a genre over time.
  • The use of altered and extended chords has significantly contributed to the evolution of jazz by expanding its harmonic vocabulary and allowing for greater expressive potential. As jazz developed through various eras—from early New Orleans styles to bebop and beyond—musicians increasingly incorporated these complex harmonies to push boundaries and innovate within the genre. This evolution not only influenced how jazz was performed but also impacted its integration with other genres like rock, funk, and fusion, ultimately enriching the broader musical landscape.

Related terms

Chord progression: A sequence of chords played in succession, forming the harmonic backbone of a piece of music.

Extended chords: Chords that include additional notes beyond the basic triad, such as seventh, ninth, eleventh, or thirteenth notes.

Altered chords: Chords that have been modified by changing one or more of their original notes, often used to create tension and resolve it in jazz compositions.