Music is a form of communication. Jazz is just one of the many languages in which we communicate musical ideas. In each style of music there are several definitive characteristics such as form arrangement, instrumentation, rhythmic feel, and tonal tendencies.

There are three main characteristics that define jazz. They are Improvisation, "Head" – Solo Section – "Head" format, and the rhythmic feel known as "Swing".

The most important characteristic in jazz is improvisation. Jazz developed in the streets of New Orleans along long funeral parade routes where musicians improvised variations on traditional songs. Improvisation exists on all levels of a jazz ensemble. Musicians improvise their parts around a song’s chord changes. Once the head has been played each soloist takes several improvised chorus. The accompanying rhythm section has the freedom to interact with each other and the soloist.

The most common song format in jazz starts with the exposition of the melody, known as the "head". Once this is played the solo section occurs. After the solo section the head is repeated and the followed by an arranged or improvised ending.

A note about form: The AABA form is most common. Specifically, the chord changes and lyrical form of "I Got Rhythm" by George and Ira Gershwin. This form has become a standard and frequently is used for the composition of new melodies and improvisations.

Traditionally jazz is played with an uneven and syncopated rhythmic treatment of eighth notes. This is known as "Swing Feel". This feel has changed over the 100 years that jazz has been in practice. In the 20’s and 30’s the feel was very angular and punctuated. In the 40’s and 50’s it became more lyrical and flowing. Due to the complex rhythmic and accent structure it is not possible to notate swing. It can only be learned through study of and with experienced musicians.

To learn to play jazz, one must examine the standards set by its innovators. Since most of them have passed on, we must rely on the recordings they left behind. As musicians we must go beyond the casual listening level, and actually study the music. It is imperative that we listen critically to all styles and forms of music, in addition to studying jazz. My Listening Form will guide you through your study of jazz listening.

Listed below are ten CD’s that I consider helpful in learning jazz. I chose them because they include a wide variety of straight-ahead jazz to more abstract post-bebop, trios to big bands, and vocalists to instrumentalists.

1. Miles Davis "Kind of Blue"
2. John Coltrane "Blue Trane"
3. John Coltrane "Giant Steps"
4. Harry Connick Jr. "Blue Light Red Light"
5. Jane Monheit "Come Dream With Me"
6. Jaco Pastorious "Jaco Pastorious"
7. Pat Metheny "Bright Size Life"
8. Charles Mingus "Ah Hum"
9. Herbie Hancock "Headhunters"
10. Oliver Nelson "Blues and the Abstract Truth"