You may notice that some performers have certain features or a distinct sound. Picking out and noticing these features can be a fun way for you to engage the music. If you hear a melody you particularly enjoy, you may want to explore variations of it. To do this, you might search for performances of the same song by different jazz artists or ensembles online. Listening to a song you’re already somewhat familiar with may help you pick out the melody more easily. Some famous jazz hits you might want to give a listen to include “Take Five,” “Sing, Sing Sing,” “So What,” and " ‘Round Midnight. "
It’s very common for artist to break up harmonic chords to create a sustained, pleasing sound while the melody is played. You may want to keep an ear out for broken chords, rolled chords, and other variations in the harmony while listening to jazz. [5] X Research source Many public radio services, like your local classical/jazz station or NPR, have segments devoted to jazz music. You may learn more about harmony listening to these segments and the accompanying commentary of the DJs.
While listening, it may help you follow the beat if you tap your foot or your hand steadily in time with the music. This will be the dominant rhythm of the song. When you notice players hold out or cut short beats, you’ve discovered a change to the rhythm. These off-beat rhythms generally sync up with the main beat later on. You may want to tap along quietly, especially if you are attending a live jazz performance. Following the beat too loudly by clapping/tapping your hands/feet could disrupt the musicians. [7] X Research source Swing music, having a pronounced rhythmic quality, may make feeling the rhythm easier for you. Some popular swing tunes you might be interested hearing include “Caravan,” “Take the ‘A’ Train,” and “Sweet Georgia Brown. "
Paraphrase improv. Paraphrase improv uses the melody like a springboard. Oftentimes, an artist will feature the melody strongly throughout the piece, waiting for specific places or themes before exploding into a variation. [8] X Research source Motivic improv. The name of this kind of improv comes from the word “motif. " It uses repeated sections of the song at higher and lower intervals to change the atmosphere and quality of the motif being repeated. [9] X Research source Formulaic improv. This kind of improv requires the most technical knowledge on the part of the performer. During formulaic improv, a musician will insert highly complex combinations of notes, often referred to as “licks,” to spice up a solo. [10] X Research source
Looking for the signals between performers, or even noting the level of unity and balance among them, can add another level to your jazz appreciation. You may find that, even if you don’t like the tune, the interaction between players still makes the music enjoyable. [11] X Research source
Observe good etiquette while you’re at a jazz performance. This is especially important at a jazz club or bar. Most performers will expect you to be respectful during the performance; this means you should keep the volume of your conversations to a minimum. The spontaneous nature of jazz makes live events the perfect place for you to get into the spirit of the genre. Recordings, in many cases, fail to convey the atmosphere of a performance. [12] X Research source
Depending on the region in which you live, the kind of festivals available will vary. Some major jazz festivals you might consider visiting include the Chicago Jazz Music Festival (late August/early September), Saratoga Jazz Festival (late June), Portland Jazz Festival (mid February), Fillmore Street Jazz Festival (early July), and Jacksonville Jazz Festival (late May).
Although the atmosphere of a venue can contribute a great deal to the atmosphere, it can also be distracting. You may want to close your eyes during part of the performance, and see what feelings, colors, shapes, or thoughts are evoked by the music. [13] X Research source
Jazz was originally used as dance music in the early 1900s for youth rebelling against musical and social conventions. If you’re at an appropriate venue, you may find that you connect better with jazz when you get out of your seat and start dancing along. [14] X Research source
In listening to blues and other music originating from the same period as jazz, you’ll gain a finer understanding for the atmosphere of that era. This could help you connect more deeply with the music on an emotional or technical level. The blues have been played in some form or another since the late 1800s, so there are many artists in this genre you might listen to. However, three blues musicians highly influential to the jazz scene include W. C. Handy, Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, and Bessie Smith. [16] X Research source
You can get a better feel for syncopation with a foot tapping exercise. Tap your foot up and down steadily. When you bring your foot down, say “Oom” and when you raise your foot say “pah. " So as you tap, you should say “Oom-pah, oom-pah. " Then, while continuing tapping your foot, only say the “pah. " This “pah” represents the syncopated beat. Jazz artists will include a mix of syncopated (off-beat) and non-syncopated (on-beat) rhythms. This creates additional complexity and emphasis in the song. Identifying off- and on-beat rhythms may add a new dimension to your appreciation of jazz. [19] X Research source
Thanks to the invention of the phonograph, many classic songs that came out of the New Orleans jazz age could be preserved. Listen along with Joe “King” Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, and The Original Dixieland Jass Band to familiarize yourself with New Orleans jazz. [21] X Research source
To gain a more formal understanding of jazz and jazz history, you may want to take a class on the subject. These can frequently be found at your nearest local university, community college, community center, or school of music. You may find that a trip to a historic jazz site, like a nightclub or historic jazz composer’s home, gives you a fuller understanding of jazz. Many of these sites have information in the form of pamphlets that you can use to buff up on jazz.
