Jazz 101 – What is jazz, exactly?

Jazz 101

What is jazz, exactly?

Category: Music Discover jazz’s origins, its unique characteristics and famous jazz musicians.

Jazz 101 – What is jazz, exactly?

JAZZ 101 Jazz is regarded by many as America’s only true art form. Why is that so? What makes jazz so special out of all the 42 music genres?

In celebration of International Jazz Day on 30 April, come discover more about jazz’s origins, its unique characteristics and famous jazz musicians whom you should check out.

In addition to the links below, remember to check out some of the performances from past editions of SIFA on SIFA All-Access (sifa.sg/all-access). They will be available from 30 April and will help you gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of jazz music!

Jazz 101 – What is jazz, exactly?

How did the name come about?

Jazz originated in the late 19th and early 20th century, in the African-American communities of New Orleans. Before jazz, there was the blues, which also derived from the American-African communities.

The blues would go on to become the foundation of jazz. The blues follows a standard chord structure and it became the single most popular template for early jazz improvisation.

So why the name jazz? Different explanations abound, but one of the most popular explanations is that “jazz” originated from an old African-American slang term, ‘jasm’, which meant energy, vitality, vigour. The most striking features of jazz include its speed and energy.

What makes jazz unique?

Here are a few distinguishing characteristics that can help you identify jazz.

1. Swing and syncopation Borrowing the words of American composer and jazz singer Duke Ellington, “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)!”

So what exactly does swing in jazz mean? The Jazz in America glossary defines swing as when an individual player or ensemble performs in such a rhythmically coordinated way that it evokes an instinctive response from the listener, like the tapping of their feet and nodding of their heads.

To achieve this swing, syncopation is used. Syncopation is the technique of placing emphasis in surprising or unusual places in a piece. By doing so, the regular flow of rhythm is disturbed, and this is what makes jazz sound groovy.

2. Improvisation Improvisation is another one of jazz’s defining elements. A jazz performer interprets a tune in individual ways, never playing the same composition twice. The performer can make changes to the melodies, harmonies and rhythm, depending on his or her mood and interaction with band members or audience members.

Improvisation is what sets jazz apart from other music genres. Jazz musicians create music on the spot, which is why some people regard jazz as America’s only true art form.

Jazz 101 – What is jazz, exactly?

ACTIVITY 1. Jazzing up a tune To get a clearer idea of what syncopation is, pick a song and sing it aloud.

Let’s go with something we are all familiar with — Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Singing it aloud sounds something like this, with emphasis placed on the syllables in red.

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Had a very shiny nose If we move the emphasis points around a little and sing it like this, the song takes on a new rendition.

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Had a very shiny nose This is what syncopation sounds like and when done right, makes a song sound groovy.

Syncopation can be applied to any song in many different ways. Have fun experimenting on your favourite songs; the possibilities are endless!

You can also explore jazz covers of your favourite songs on YouTube. How does the jazz version sound different from the original? Is it just the rhythm that is different? Where are the emphasis points placed in the jazz version as compared to the original?

Jazz 101 – What is jazz, exactly?

2. Recommended listening

What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

In The Mood – Glenn Miller

Sing, Sing, Sing – Benny Goodman

Hard to Imagine – Alemay Fernandez

Diggin’ on You – Chok Keong Organ Trio

Come Fly With Me – Louis Soliano

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