Flashcards

Jazz terminology: swing, improvisation, blues structure

katiehb33 English 24 cards

Cards in this deck (24)

1Tone QualityTimbre, richness of sound.
2New Orleans PolyphonyCollective improvisation.
All frontline instruments play
at the same time.
3SyncopationEmphasis of weak and 'off'
beat notes.
4ImprovisationLive creation of melodic content
based around a set of notes
or key.
5ClarinoHigher range of
clarinet.
6SmearSlide between two notes
relatively close together.
7GlissandoSlide.
8Double TimeTwice as fast tempo.
9BreakPause in music with a
short solo or alternative.
10ArrangementHow the music is put together.
11ChalameauLower clarinet register.
12ChangesPiano chord pattern.
13Blues Notes and Inflections3 ( 5 ) 7
1412 Bar Blues Chord StructureI I I I
IV IV I I
V IV I I/V
15Fall OffDownwards series of
quick notes.
16Front LineMain melodic instruments,
e.g. trumpet, clarinet, saxophone.
17CountermelodySecond melody which interacts and contrasts with the first or
main melody.
1832 Bar Chord PatternPattern of chords 32
bars long.
19Walking BassNotes of scale 1,3,5,6, 7,6,5,3,1.
20RipUpwards series of quick notes.
21Tailgate StyleOrganisation by location of instruments
based on early recording and
performance practice.
22Scat SingingImprovisation of vocal sound
using nonsense syllables.
23Swing.
24Rhythm Section'Backing'
Drums, guitar, trombone,
double bass.