Jazz standards

Definition

Jazz standards are a set of musical compositions that are widely recognized and performed by jazz musicians. These songs often serve as a common repertoire that allows musicians to communicate and collaborate effectively, showcasing essential elements of jazz improvisation and interpretation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jazz standards are often derived from popular music of the early to mid-20th century, including Broadway show tunes, Tin Pan Alley songs, and older jazz compositions.
2. The structure of jazz standards typically involves a form that musicians can follow, like AABA or ABAC, which provides a foundation for improvisation.
3. Famous jazz standards include songs like 'Autumn Leaves', 'Blue Bossa', and 'Take the 'A' Train', each having numerous recorded versions by different artists.
4. These standards have become a crucial part of the jazz tradition, passed down through generations of musicians who continue to reinterpret them in fresh ways.
5. Performing jazz standards often allows musicians to demonstrate their individual styles while adhering to the established harmonic progressions that characterize the genre.

Review Questions

• How do jazz standards facilitate communication among musicians during performances?
  • Jazz standards serve as a common musical language that allows musicians to easily collaborate and interact during performances. By familiarizing themselves with a shared repertoire, musicians can quickly join in on a song without extensive rehearsal. This familiarity enables them to focus on improvisation and expression, creating spontaneous and dynamic interactions on stage.
• Discuss the importance of form in jazz standards and how it influences improvisation.
  • The form of jazz standards is crucial because it provides a structured framework for musicians to improvise over. Common forms like AABA or ABAC establish repeating sections that create familiarity for performers. This structure allows soloists to develop their ideas while ensuring cohesion within the group. As they improvise, musicians can explore variations within this form while still maintaining the essence of the original composition.
• Evaluate the role of iconic recordings in shaping the perception and evolution of jazz standards over time.
  • Iconic recordings have played a significant role in shaping how jazz standards are perceived and performed throughout history. These recordings introduce innovative interpretations and styles that influence both aspiring musicians and seasoned professionals. As artists reinterpret these standards, they contribute to an evolving tradition that keeps jazz relevant. This continuous cycle of performance and recording allows each generation to put its unique stamp on classic pieces while preserving their core identity.

Related terms

Lead Sheet: A lead sheet is a musical notation that includes the melody, lyrics, and chord symbols for a song, commonly used in jazz for quick reference during performances.

Improvisation: Improvisation is the spontaneous creation of music during performance, allowing musicians to express their creativity and emotions within the framework of a piece, often seen in jazz.

Real Book: The Real Book is a compilation of lead sheets for a wide variety of jazz standards, serving as an essential resource for musicians learning and performing these popular songs.