About Jazz

“Jazz is surprising, unpredictable, and full of improvisation.” Maybe, this statement is the simpliest way to review the characteristics of jazz and a way to differ jazz from other “style of music”. Jazz is something different. Where are the differences? First, we can see them from their performers themselves. Because the power and the main characteristic of jazz are located in its improvisation, we can see that performers of jazz improvise within the conventions of their chosen style. Typically, the improvisation is accompanied by the repeated chord progression of a popular song or an original composition. Although exceptions occur in some styles, most jazz is based on the principle that an infinite number of melodies can fit the chord progressions of any song. This style is totally different with the performers of blues, for instance, whom make no improvisation at all. Then, we can also see the differences from the use of written scores. Written scores, if present, are often used merely as guides, providing structure within which improvisation occurs. Of course, it is different from its of classical music. Jazz musicians do not memorize the scores, but they have to be creating or trying to, anticipating each other, transforming their feelings into mucic, and taking chances every second. Jazz is characterized by syncopated rhythms and improvisation. That is why Whitney Balliett, jazz critic for The New Yorker magazine, has called jazz as “the sound of surprises.” Really, jazz is full of element of surprises!