Jazz Improvisation

[Innovator]

What is the secret of good jazz improvisation?

[andy hughes]

The first and most indispensible aspect of good jazz improvisiation is mastery of your instrument. This is vital because the essence of improvisation is the ability to gauge the mood and pace of the music as it develops, and to be able to react instinctively and simultaneously to add both to the atmosphere, and continue the development of the music being played. Equally important is the ability to listen to the other musicians involved, and be able to gauge when to take over and lead, when to follow and harmonise, and how to assess the mood that is being created by the musicians as a whole, and develop its themes and ideas. Ironically, although the essence of good improvisation is instinctive playing, it is possible to attend classes where the rudiments of improvisation are taught, giving the beginner a grounding in the basics, from which a more individual style can be developed.

[davejazz]

I think Andy Hughes has summed this up - well said!!!

[charliep88]

I agree with ANDY .It takes years of dedication , and then as charlie parker said " forget all that S--t and just play"

[jerlaw]

As a working jazz musician, I must say that Andy has pretty well summed it up nicely. To become a jazz musician requires years of dedication, regardless of whatever innate musical talent you may have. What I enjoy most about my music is that you never stop learning. No matter how good you get, the challenge is always there to be better. Nice going Andy!

[jerlaw]

Charlie; I'm sorry but I disagree. You can forget all that s--t when you are jamming or doing a gig, but not when you are practicing. The finest jazz musicians are the ones who make it LOOK easy, but it's not. Their music comes not just the old 10% inspiration, but the 90% perspiration. Maybe what you're really saying is that jazz music is the most "fun" music in the world, but the more dedication you put into it, the more fun it is. Jazz is a language all it's own, & jazz musicians speak to each other through their instruments.

[fostel]

Yes it takes a long time but I believe listening to recordings of top flight musicans is the most impart thing - your barain starts to abosorb without actually trying to learn what's being played.

I had been passionate about jazz for about eight years before I ever thought of playing and I still to listen to, at least, an hour a day, added bonus is it gives me a real lift!