Elements of Jazz: FORM

Elements of Jazz: FORM

Structure

• Most jazz tunes use a recurring chord progression that serves as its structure

• The manner (way) each section is arranged determines the FORM

Musical Blueprint

• Form = the tune's "musical blueprint"

• Allows each musician to keep their place in the structure

Sections

• Each DIFFERENT section of a chord progression is assigned a different letter( ie A, B, C, etc.)

Sections

• Song for My Fathe

• AAB (24 bar tune)

• A: |F- | |Eb7 | | Db7 |C7sus |F- | |

• A: |F- | |Eb7 | | Db7 |C7sus |F- | |

• B: |Eb7 | |F- |Eb7|Db7|C7sus |F- | |

Sections

• Take the 'A' Train

• AABA (32 Bar Tune)

• A: |C | |D7#5 | |D- |G7 |C |D- G7 |

• A: |C | |D7#5 | |D- |G7 |C |D- G7 |

• B: |F | | | |D7 | |D- | G7|

• A: |C | |D7#5 | |D- |G7 |C |D- G7

CHORUS

• The Form of a Tune

• All the chords of the tune in a predetermined sequence

• AAB, AABA, ABAC, etc.

• repeated over and over

• Each time through is called a CHORUS

Common Sequence

• Something different happens for each chorus - here's a common sequence

• FIRST CHORUS - Melody Instruments play the "head" - composed melody

• MIDDLE CHORUSES - (undetermined number) each musician improvises in turn using the form as their guide

• LAST CHORUS - The "head" again called the "out head" - ending the tune

Before and After

• Introduction - AKA "INTRO"

• Ending - AKA "OUTRO"

Arrangement - the Who Does What...

• Determined prior to performance - often written

• "Big Band" - 5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 bones, 4 rhythm (piano, guitar, bass, drums)

• Jam Session - informal - head nods, looks, etc.

• Small groups (combos)

Animated Slide for Song for My Father

https://www.jazzinamerica.org/LessonPlan/11/2/160#

COMMON FORMS

with examples

AABA

• Stan Getz - Joao Gilberto

• So Danco Samba

ABAC

• On Green Dolphin Street

• Ella Fitzgerald

16 Bar Blues

• Blue Bossa

• Dexter Gordon

12 Bar Blues

• Billie's Bounce

• Charlie Parker

That's All Folks!!!!