Within this assignment I will analyse the, harmonic, rhythmic, structural and melodic features of 4 genres that include: Funk, Country, Reggae and Jazz. I will also explore the relative importance of each of the genre's components, in order to discover what gives the style its unique sound. Examples of songs and artists in the form of case studies will enable me to dig deeper into each genre.
FUNK.
Stylistic Overview
Funk is a genre that originated in the 1960s. It called on influences from jazz, soul and early R&B to create groove heavy, dance inducing songs. Its main stylistic features include: an emphasis on electric bass and drum grooves, use of extended chords such as: the diminished 7th or 9th, the use of rhythm instruments that play complicated and technically difficult riffs/grooves, heavy emphasis on the first beat of each bar and syncopation within the vocal and instrumental lines. Furthermore, most funk music has a simple structure and includes the use of a brass section e.g. Saxophones, Trumpets and Trombones along with other standard funk instruments such as electric guitar (with wah-wah effect), bass and drums (full kit).
Harmonic Overview
A majorly important feauture of funk is its 'use of extended chords'[1] which help to bring chromaticism and 'flavour'[1] to the music. These include minor chords (in triads these have a flattened 3rd) with 7ths added to them to create minor 7th chords. Dominant 7th chords with 'altered 9ths'[2] are also commonly used which links funk to its jazz influences due to the fact that these chords can also be 'found in bebop jazz'[2]. In terms of relativity, these chords are very important because they provide a harmonic basis to which a Funk groove can be put, without this chromaticism Funk would sound purely diatinic and would lose it soul and Jazz influences, becoming harmonically bland in the process, whereas Funk should be lively and harmonically exciting. This video gives examples of the main chords that are so vital to funk music.
Funk is a genre that originated in the 1960s. It called on influences from jazz, soul and early R&B to create groove heavy, dance inducing songs. Its main stylistic features include: an emphasis on electric bass and drum grooves, use of extended chords such as: the diminished 7th or 9th, the use of rhythm instruments that play complicated and technically difficult riffs/grooves, heavy emphasis on the first beat of each bar and syncopation within the vocal and instrumental lines. Furthermore, most funk music has a simple structure and includes the use of a brass section e.g. Saxophones, Trumpets and Trombones along with other standard funk instruments such as electric guitar (with wah-wah effect), bass and drums (full kit).
Harmonic Overview
A majorly important feauture of funk is its 'use of extended chords'[1] which help to bring chromaticism and 'flavour'[1] to the music. These include minor chords (in triads these have a flattened 3rd) with 7ths added to them to create minor 7th chords. Dominant 7th chords with 'altered 9ths'[2] are also commonly used which links funk to its jazz influences due to the fact that these chords can also be 'found in bebop jazz'[2]. In terms of relativity, these chords are very important because they provide a harmonic basis to which a Funk groove can be put, without this chromaticism Funk would sound purely diatinic and would lose it soul and Jazz influences, becoming harmonically bland in the process, whereas Funk should be lively and harmonically exciting. This video gives examples of the main chords that are so vital to funk music.
However, unlike most jazz, soul and R&B styles funk rarely uses chord progressions, instead it elaborates on one chord (adding 7ths, 9th or 11ths) and moulds its groove or riff around the exploration of this chord. This creates more space for 'complex rhythmic grooves'[3] to be played. In terms of relativity, this feature sets funk apart from other genres that use simple diatonic chord progressions and gives Funk its unique, riff centred sound, if complex chord progressions were used, they would take the spotlight away from the infamous funk grooves that are so well known and would cause Funk to sound more like Jazz or other big band based genres.
Rhythmic Overview
Most funk is based on a classic 'on-beat/off-beat'[2] rhythm where 2 on beats are followed by 2 off beats (which also creates syncopation) this became well known because of funk legend James Brown and his rhythm section's use of this funk feature. Here is an example of a syncopated funk rhythm for electric guitar: [4]
Rhythmic Overview
Most funk is based on a classic 'on-beat/off-beat'[2] rhythm where 2 on beats are followed by 2 off beats (which also creates syncopation) this became well known because of funk legend James Brown and his rhythm section's use of this funk feature. Here is an example of a syncopated funk rhythm for electric guitar: [4]
These syncopated rhythms would have been mainly played by drums and bass which became domiant instruments in the funk genre. Techniques such as slap bass would have been employed and the bass usually played complex rhthyms, creating the distinctive 'drum-like' sound of funk bass. The bass has also been described as the 'centerpiece' of funk songs because is it so prominent. The use of emphasised bass allows the listener to distinctly hear the groove or riff that is fundamental to any funk song, without the important use of bass this groove would be more difficult to define and the genre would lose its bassy, deep riff centred sound which is why it is so important to the genre, Funk would not be Funk without it. Here are some examples of world renowned funk/slap bassist Larry Graham playing: [5]
Structural Overview
Because of the 'active nature of its rhythms'[6] funk song structure is usually simplified and moulded around the songs main riff. This sets it apart from its main influences of soul and R&B which follow a strophic/Verse and Chorus structure. This also links to funk's harmony (as mentioned above) the repetition and variation of one chord aids this riff based structure. However, some funk has an ABA structure. For example, the famous riff in James Brown's 'I Got You (I Feel Good)' is interspersed with the vocal line the whole way through the song in a call and response style, this shows that the melody is arranged around the groove. In terms of relativity, although it is perhaps not as important as the bass or guitar riff itself in funk music this structural feature is important because it puts the emphasis on the riffs of the bass and the unique funk rhythms which are prominent in this genre. A funk song written in a strophic structure would lose some of its rhythmic and melodic complexity and take away from the harmonic interest of theextended chords against intricate bass lines.
Because of the 'active nature of its rhythms'[6] funk song structure is usually simplified and moulded around the songs main riff. This sets it apart from its main influences of soul and R&B which follow a strophic/Verse and Chorus structure. This also links to funk's harmony (as mentioned above) the repetition and variation of one chord aids this riff based structure. However, some funk has an ABA structure. For example, the famous riff in James Brown's 'I Got You (I Feel Good)' is interspersed with the vocal line the whole way through the song in a call and response style, this shows that the melody is arranged around the groove. In terms of relativity, although it is perhaps not as important as the bass or guitar riff itself in funk music this structural feature is important because it puts the emphasis on the riffs of the bass and the unique funk rhythms which are prominent in this genre. A funk song written in a strophic structure would lose some of its rhythmic and melodic complexity and take away from the harmonic interest of theextended chords against intricate bass lines.
CASE STUDY - Curtis Mayfield - SuperFly
Like James Brown, Curtis Mayfield was another legend in the world of funk. His song SuperFly contains most of the most vital elements of a funk song. It includes:
- A destinctive repeated bass riff.
- A brass section.
- Wah - wah guitar effect.
- A simple ABA structure that arranges itself around the main riff.
- Prominant syncopated drum and bass rhythms.
- Strong emphasis on the first beat of the bar.
- Soulful vocal line.
COUNTRY.
Stylistic Overview
The country music genre orginated in the Southern States of America. It grew out of 'cowboy songs and bluegrass music'[2]. The main features of country music are: use of acoustic string instruments such as banjos, guitars, mandolins and fiddles (violins) however modern country music includes a full band; simple forms e.g. strophic form and verse/chorus structure; simple diatonic chords progressions; narrative based lyrics; standard time signatures and rhythms and close vocal harmonies.
Harmonic Overview
Firstly, Country music is heavily based on diatonic chord progressions so, unlike the extended 7th and 9th chords found in funk, Country will include standard major and minor chords in widely recognised progressions such as I-vi-IV-V or I-V-vi-IV (C-Am-F-G and C-G-Am-F in C major) these chord progressions are the basis for a country songs and are therefore very important to the genre. Firstly, because they aid the catchy characteristic of the genre and help people to remember the lyrics. On a deeper level they are incredibly important to the base of a Country song because they let the lyrics and melodies take centre stage, if the chords in Country were extended and chromatic the narrative lyrics and vocal harmonies would be lost. An example of a country diatonic chord progression can be seen in Jolene by Dolly Parton which includes the chords of Am, C and G.
The country music genre orginated in the Southern States of America. It grew out of 'cowboy songs and bluegrass music'[2]. The main features of country music are: use of acoustic string instruments such as banjos, guitars, mandolins and fiddles (violins) however modern country music includes a full band; simple forms e.g. strophic form and verse/chorus structure; simple diatonic chords progressions; narrative based lyrics; standard time signatures and rhythms and close vocal harmonies.
Harmonic Overview
Firstly, Country music is heavily based on diatonic chord progressions so, unlike the extended 7th and 9th chords found in funk, Country will include standard major and minor chords in widely recognised progressions such as I-vi-IV-V or I-V-vi-IV (C-Am-F-G and C-G-Am-F in C major) these chord progressions are the basis for a country songs and are therefore very important to the genre. Firstly, because they aid the catchy characteristic of the genre and help people to remember the lyrics. On a deeper level they are incredibly important to the base of a Country song because they let the lyrics and melodies take centre stage, if the chords in Country were extended and chromatic the narrative lyrics and vocal harmonies would be lost. An example of a country diatonic chord progression can be seen in Jolene by Dolly Parton which includes the chords of Am, C and G.
Secondly, close vocal harmonies are important to country music, they usually appear in the chorus section of country songs, sometimes sung by backing singers (which links to Country's 'gospel influences' where choirs would accompany a solo singer). These harmonies are often simple, in 3rds or 6ths and develop and add interest to the vocal line. These close harmonies are less vital to Country than its diatonic chord progressions, but are still a distinctive characteristic of the genre because they widen the harmonic range of the style and massively help to emphasise key morals and messages of songs. Furthermore, because the harmonies are often introduced in the chorus (which usually contains the main message of the song) harmonies help to define this message and therefore are important to the genre in that respect. Redneck Girl by Country duo The Bellamy Brothers is a good example of close vocal harmony: [5]
Rhythmic Overview
Like the simple diatonic chord progressions, Country music also makes use of standard time signatures. Most country songs are in 'simple quadruple time or 4/4.[7] These simple time signatures link Country to other genres such as modern R&B which also uses standard time key signatures. The simplicity of them gives Country songwriters the freedom to fit there narrative lyrics into each bar, furthermore (because the rhythms are not complicated) the tunes and lyrics are easier to pick up which suits Country artists that want a catchy song to be remembered. The time signatures in country music are important to a moderate extent. They compliment the other simple aspects of the genre such as standard chords and strophic structure, and Country would sound out of place in its setting with complex time signature such as 5/7, but despite this they are not as fundamentally important to Country as close harmony or acoustic instruments. Here are 2 example of Country music in simplistic time signatures:
Structural Overview
Both traditional and new Country songs adopt the strophic form (popular verse/ chorus) structure. At a basic level this includes a verse and then a chorus with a contrasting melody. However as Country songwriting developed, introductions, bridges and middle 8s were added to the structure but were still 'based on the diatonic chord progressions'[7]. This contrasts with the ABA structure of Funk that is based around a riff. These contrasting and repeated sections help develop the narrative in the song lyrics with 'each section signalling development within the story'[2]e.g. the chorus will emphasise the main message of the song. In terms of relativity, the strophic structure of Country songs is a majorly important aspect of the genre because it inables the distinctive story telling nature of country songs and fits perfectly its simple diatonic chord progressions, although this strophic structure is not distinctive and unique to the Country genre it is still very important, a country song without such a structure would be more complicated and would not give artists the freedom to tell their lyrical stories. In this song by Johnny Cash the structure is strophic, the structure is verse chorus all the way through with the chorus beginning with the lyrics 'I'm going to Jackson'. [5]
Both traditional and new Country songs adopt the strophic form (popular verse/ chorus) structure. At a basic level this includes a verse and then a chorus with a contrasting melody. However as Country songwriting developed, introductions, bridges and middle 8s were added to the structure but were still 'based on the diatonic chord progressions'[7]. This contrasts with the ABA structure of Funk that is based around a riff. These contrasting and repeated sections help develop the narrative in the song lyrics with 'each section signalling development within the story'[2]e.g. the chorus will emphasise the main message of the song. In terms of relativity, the strophic structure of Country songs is a majorly important aspect of the genre because it inables the distinctive story telling nature of country songs and fits perfectly its simple diatonic chord progressions, although this strophic structure is not distinctive and unique to the Country genre it is still very important, a country song without such a structure would be more complicated and would not give artists the freedom to tell their lyrical stories. In this song by Johnny Cash the structure is strophic, the structure is verse chorus all the way through with the chorus beginning with the lyrics 'I'm going to Jackson'. [5]
CASE STUDY - Hank Williams - Your Cheatin' Heart
This classic Country song includes Country features such as:
- Use of acoustic instruments such acoustic guitar and fiddle/violin as well as electric guitar that play in the class Country 'twanging' [2] style.
- A diatonic chord progression that can be seen here:
- Simple quadruple time or 4/4.
- Strophic Form that is a Verse/Chorus structure that includes an instrumental played by fiddle and electric guitar.
REGGAE
Originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and calls on influences from 'Calypso styles and Rhythm and Blues'[2](R&B). The main stylistic features of the Reggae genre include: offbeat rhythms/syncopation; call and response between either vocals and backing vocals or vocals and instruments; dominant 'equalized'[8] bass guitar instrumentation; lyrics that speak about changing social attitudes and religion; use of 4/4 (symmetrical time signatures) and the use of simple chord progressions.
Harmonic Overview
Like other popular genres, including the previously analysed Country genre, Reggae makes use of simple chord progressions, most prominantly in minor keys. Reggae specifically makes use of the dominant chord in its minor form therefore the music is never 'allowed to be home to a perfect cadence' [8], this creates harmonic ambiguity. 7th, 9th and other such extended chords are rare in most Reggae music, but can me found in some later Reggae songs by Bob Marley e.g. Waiting in Vain [2]. The simple chords serve as a bass for Reggaes more intricate and complex features such as: lyrics, call and response and bass riffs and therefore are very important to the background of Reggae, but are less important as a prominant and distinctive feature. Here are some examples of popular Reggae chords and chord progressions: [4]
Harmonic Overview
Like other popular genres, including the previously analysed Country genre, Reggae makes use of simple chord progressions, most prominantly in minor keys. Reggae specifically makes use of the dominant chord in its minor form therefore the music is never 'allowed to be home to a perfect cadence' [8], this creates harmonic ambiguity. 7th, 9th and other such extended chords are rare in most Reggae music, but can me found in some later Reggae songs by Bob Marley e.g. Waiting in Vain [2]. The simple chords serve as a bass for Reggaes more intricate and complex features such as: lyrics, call and response and bass riffs and therefore are very important to the background of Reggae, but are less important as a prominant and distinctive feature. Here are some examples of popular Reggae chords and chord progressions: [4]
In terms of relativity these simple chord progressions, like the diatonicism in the Country genre, add to the characterisitc 'laid back feel'[8] of Reggae and allow the important socially and religiously informed lyrics to cut through, if Reggae used more complex chords the emphasis would be on the harmony rather than the meaningful lyrics which would take away from many of the important messages that are put forward through Reggae songs, therefore these simple chord progressions provide an extremely important base which inables more intricate factors e.g. call and response and lyrics to be heard.
Call and response, as a harmonic technique, is also a large characteristic of the genre not only in the vocals but in the way 'the different instrumental parts are arranged'[2]. Although call and response is not as important to the Reggae genre as its offbeat rhythm or simple chords, it is widely used throughout Reggae songs as a way of emphasising key themes and adding wider vocal harmony to the simple chord progressions beneath and is therfore still an important factor. Here is an example of call response in Bob Marley's One Love where the backing singers respond to Marley's main verse melody by singing 'one love one heart':[5]
Call and response, as a harmonic technique, is also a large characteristic of the genre not only in the vocals but in the way 'the different instrumental parts are arranged'[2]. Although call and response is not as important to the Reggae genre as its offbeat rhythm or simple chords, it is widely used throughout Reggae songs as a way of emphasising key themes and adding wider vocal harmony to the simple chord progressions beneath and is therfore still an important factor. Here is an example of call response in Bob Marley's One Love where the backing singers respond to Marley's main verse melody by singing 'one love one heart':[5]
Rhythmic Overview
Perhaps the most important characteristic of Reggae music is the off beat nature of its rhythms, these put the emphasis on beat 2 and beat 4 of the 4/4 bar and is used in almost all Reggae songs. It is without a doubt the most distinctive characteristic of Reggae music because no other genre puts as much emphasis on the these beats, furthermore without the offbeat rhythms Reggae would be more similar to other genres which place the beat emphasis on 1 (like funk) this would undermine the key base of Reggae rhythm and the genre as we know it. This off beat rhythm is usually played by electric guitar or keyboard and backed up by the drums emphasis on the 3rd beat e.g.'one drop'[8]creates a 'unique type of phrasing'[2]. Here are some examples of offbeat Reggae rhythms: [4]
Perhaps the most important characteristic of Reggae music is the off beat nature of its rhythms, these put the emphasis on beat 2 and beat 4 of the 4/4 bar and is used in almost all Reggae songs. It is without a doubt the most distinctive characteristic of Reggae music because no other genre puts as much emphasis on the these beats, furthermore without the offbeat rhythms Reggae would be more similar to other genres which place the beat emphasis on 1 (like funk) this would undermine the key base of Reggae rhythm and the genre as we know it. This off beat rhythm is usually played by electric guitar or keyboard and backed up by the drums emphasis on the 3rd beat e.g.'one drop'[8]creates a 'unique type of phrasing'[2]. Here are some examples of offbeat Reggae rhythms: [4]
Another rhythmic characteristic of Reggae is the fact that they use, almost exclusively, simple quadruple time signatures e.g 4/4. This time signature is 'fundamentally used because of the symmetrical nature' of the offbeat rhythms that are so important to the genre. This simple quadruple time signature is in alot of ways very important to the Reggae genre, the vital offbeat emphasis on beats 2 and 4 cannot take place in a time signature like 3/4 for instance which suggest that 4/4 time is a vital aspect of Reggae because it facilitates Reggaes most important rhymical feature. Here are some examples of Reggae songs that are in 4/4: [4]
Structural Overview
Like Country music and its R&B influences, Reggae follows simple song structures. These structures are most prominantly strophic (verse chorus) but often include an instrumental within this structure and intros and outros. This simplicity, like the simple chords and simple time signatures, brings the laid back feel of Reggae to the foreground and also allows the important lyrics to cut through. This structure links Reggae to many other popular genres and is therefore less distinct to the unique genre of Reggae. However without these simple structures the other aspects of the genre, that are incredibly distinctive and unique, would not be as effective. Moreover, a large factor of Reggae is it's laid back, easy going feel that is decorated with meaningful lyrics. More complex rhythms would make the music too busy and would get in the way, therefore simple structures go a significant way in being important within the Reggae, although they are not as important to the genre as offbeat rhythms or heavy bass instrumentation.
CASE STUDY - Bob Marley - Three Little Birds [5]
Like Country music and its R&B influences, Reggae follows simple song structures. These structures are most prominantly strophic (verse chorus) but often include an instrumental within this structure and intros and outros. This simplicity, like the simple chords and simple time signatures, brings the laid back feel of Reggae to the foreground and also allows the important lyrics to cut through. This structure links Reggae to many other popular genres and is therefore less distinct to the unique genre of Reggae. However without these simple structures the other aspects of the genre, that are incredibly distinctive and unique, would not be as effective. Moreover, a large factor of Reggae is it's laid back, easy going feel that is decorated with meaningful lyrics. More complex rhythms would make the music too busy and would get in the way, therefore simple structures go a significant way in being important within the Reggae, although they are not as important to the genre as offbeat rhythms or heavy bass instrumentation.
CASE STUDY - Bob Marley - Three Little Birds [5]
Perhaps the most well known Reggae song, Three Little Birds includes most if not all the characteristics of the Reggae genre:
- Off beat rhythm including 'one drop' drum beat on the 3rd beat.
- 4/4 time signature
- Strophic form starting with chorus
- Use of standard reggae instrumentation e.g. drum kit, electric guitar, heavy bass, organ and other forms of percussion.
- Call and response between vocal line and main instrumental riff e.g. in the chorus after 'don't worry'.
- Meaningful lyrics that focus on life, happiness and some references to religion.
- Simple chord progression e.g.[4]
JAZZ.
Orignated in the African American states and developed over '100 years'[2]. Due to its long heritage and development the Jazz genre is now made up of various sub-genres, therefore I will focus on the main elements of Jazz that unite these genres. The main stylistic features of Jazz include: heavy use of improvisation; polyrhythms; syncopated and swung rhythms; extended chord structures and blues influenced chord progressions; use of a rhythm section e.g. bass (double bass), electric guitar, keyboard or piano and drum kit as well as a strong brass section e.g. trumpets, saxophones, trombones and even woodwind instruments such as the flute, and the use of more complex time signatures and structures.
Harmonic Overview
Firstly, Jazz makes use of extended chords. Sometimes the extensions are added within the improvisation line over the accompaniment, which is predominantly kept simple to avoid masking the soloist. These improvised extended chords e.g. 9ths, 11ths and 13ths add an aspect of tension to the music. Another chordal feature of Jazz are altered chords e.g. sharpened or flattened 9ths or 5ths. These add a flavour of dissonance and chromaticism to the music but are still considered diatonic and are often taken from the minor melodic scale. This developed from the 'culture of improvisation and experimentation'[9] that took place over the development of Jazz. These extended chords are very important to Jazz, in terms of relativity, due to the unique sound of chromticism they bring to Jazz which is key to the DNA of the genre, furthermore the improvisation that often supplies these extended chords has been a key feature of Jazz for generations, with many sub-genres of Jazz e.g. free jazz, basing itself fundamentally on improvisation. This sets Jazz far apart from many other, more strictly notated, genres. Within Jazz there is a culture of improvisation that is like no other standard jam session. Quite simply Jazz would not be the genre that it is without its feature of experimentation that explores the diatonic limits of wider harmony.
Harmonic Overview
Firstly, Jazz makes use of extended chords. Sometimes the extensions are added within the improvisation line over the accompaniment, which is predominantly kept simple to avoid masking the soloist. These improvised extended chords e.g. 9ths, 11ths and 13ths add an aspect of tension to the music. Another chordal feature of Jazz are altered chords e.g. sharpened or flattened 9ths or 5ths. These add a flavour of dissonance and chromaticism to the music but are still considered diatonic and are often taken from the minor melodic scale. This developed from the 'culture of improvisation and experimentation'[9] that took place over the development of Jazz. These extended chords are very important to Jazz, in terms of relativity, due to the unique sound of chromticism they bring to Jazz which is key to the DNA of the genre, furthermore the improvisation that often supplies these extended chords has been a key feature of Jazz for generations, with many sub-genres of Jazz e.g. free jazz, basing itself fundamentally on improvisation. This sets Jazz far apart from many other, more strictly notated, genres. Within Jazz there is a culture of improvisation that is like no other standard jam session. Quite simply Jazz would not be the genre that it is without its feature of experimentation that explores the diatonic limits of wider harmony.
Another harmonic feature of Jazz is its underlying chord progressions that are 'influenced by earlier blues progressions'[2]. These underlying chord progressions are relatively simple (only using 3rd and 7th chords) and act a base that can be improvised on. Such common chord progressions include: the I-IV-V progression (that links Jazz to earlier swing styles) and also the I-VI-II-V progression. Linked to this, the reharmonisation of standard chord progressions is common and adds something more distinct to the more common progressions. For example the reharmonisation of the widely used I-iv-IV-V can be seen in the song 'Have You met Miss Jones' where the 6th chord is substituted for a secondary dominant to alter its sound whilst still staying in the tonic key. This reharmonisation was often used to add a fresh Jazz twist to standard progression. This use of chromaticism to transform standard chord progression is what makes Jazz different to the genres that use the normal harmonies of these progressions such as: country or modern pop, therefore showing that this aspect is extremely important. Moreover, Jazz without this reharmonisation and exploration of chromaticism would be less interesting harmonically and would somewhat hinder the other important aspects of Jazz such as improvisation and would, as result, make it more similar to other simpler genres harmony and undermine its key characteristics.
Rhythmic Overview
Like Funk (which was influenced by Jazz styles), the rhythms in the Jazz genre are much more complex and interesting. The use of polyrhythms (more than one rhythm being played at the same time) is one device that is used to make the Jazz genre complicated and intricate rhythmically and is therefore very important to the style. Furthermore, these polyrhythms are related closely to the 'cross rhythms found in most modern jazz' [9]these cross rhythms would entail 2 differing rhythms sounding together but weaving around each other to create a more complex rhythm. These complex rhythms are vital to the sound of Jazz because they compliment the improvisational style that was commented on above. Without polyrhythms and cross rhythms Jazz would lose the rhythmic complexity that makes it so unique rhythmically interesting, Jazz with a single rhythm across all instrumental parts would cause it to lose its fundamental african roots and make the music sound one dimensional which is not a description which is associated with the Jazz genre.These cross rhythms were inspired by Jazz's African roots. Some examples of polyrhythms and cross rhythms can be seen and heard here:[4] [5]
Like Funk (which was influenced by Jazz styles), the rhythms in the Jazz genre are much more complex and interesting. The use of polyrhythms (more than one rhythm being played at the same time) is one device that is used to make the Jazz genre complicated and intricate rhythmically and is therefore very important to the style. Furthermore, these polyrhythms are related closely to the 'cross rhythms found in most modern jazz' [9]these cross rhythms would entail 2 differing rhythms sounding together but weaving around each other to create a more complex rhythm. These complex rhythms are vital to the sound of Jazz because they compliment the improvisational style that was commented on above. Without polyrhythms and cross rhythms Jazz would lose the rhythmic complexity that makes it so unique rhythmically interesting, Jazz with a single rhythm across all instrumental parts would cause it to lose its fundamental african roots and make the music sound one dimensional which is not a description which is associated with the Jazz genre.These cross rhythms were inspired by Jazz's African roots. Some examples of polyrhythms and cross rhythms can be seen and heard here:[4] [5]
Furthermore, the use of syncopation (offbeat rhythms) and the 'swung note'[2] is vital most Jazz styles. This syncopation (which acts a rhythmic 'surprise' [2]) adds to the rhythmic complexity (talked about above) of Jazz rhythm. The swung note is also a hugely important factor in Jazz styles such as 'cool jazz' which is more laid back. Swung notes are usually played for a longer or shorter time than is written to give Jazz its 'Swing' influenced sound. Because these rhythms that are so associated with Jazz, a piece of Jazz music without them (perhaps with straight played quavers) would sound rhythmically simple and would not create the bass for rhythmic complexity, this shows that syncopation and the swing rhythm are vastly important to Jazz's rhythmic base. Here are some brief examples of syncopation and swung rhythms: [4]
Structural Overview
In terms of structure, most modern Jazz fits a specific structure that is similar to strophic form but also different in many ways. Most jazz follows a: Intro-Head-Solo-Head Out-Coda/Outro structure. Whereby the intro sets the tone for the music, the 'head' introduces the main melody, the 'solo' consist of a soloist improvising over the underlying chord progression, the 'head out' where the main melody returns and a coda or outro which finishes the music. This structure is almost exclusively of the Jazz genre and is therfore, in terms of relativity, an extremely important characteristic of Jazz. An examples of this common Jazz structure can be seen and heard here: [4] [5]
In terms of structure, most modern Jazz fits a specific structure that is similar to strophic form but also different in many ways. Most jazz follows a: Intro-Head-Solo-Head Out-Coda/Outro structure. Whereby the intro sets the tone for the music, the 'head' introduces the main melody, the 'solo' consist of a soloist improvising over the underlying chord progression, the 'head out' where the main melody returns and a coda or outro which finishes the music. This structure is almost exclusively of the Jazz genre and is therfore, in terms of relativity, an extremely important characteristic of Jazz. An examples of this common Jazz structure can be seen and heard here: [4] [5]
CASE STUDY - Snarky Puppy - Binky [5]
This piece of modern 21st Century Jazz includes many of the main features of the Jazz genre:
- Cross and polyrhythms at the beginning mostly played in the rhythm/percussion section.
- Extended 7th, 9th and 13th chords can be head in the guitar and keyboard lines creating tonal ambiguity.
- Underlying chord progression continues all the way through and is held most by the keys, bass and guitar.
- Improvisation features heavily, solos are played by the saxophone and the flugal horn.
- Common use of Jazz instruments - wide range of percussion and a instumental brass/woodwind section.
- Syncopation heard throughout, from both the rhythm and instrumental sections.
BIBLIOGRAPHY.
- Funk: The music, the people, and the Rhythm of the One - Rickey Vincent - 1996.
- www.wikipedia.co.uk
- www.bbc.co.uk
- www.googlesearch/images.co.uk
- www.youtube.co.uk
- Funk - Dave Thompson - 2001
- ww.billboard.com
- Rough Guide to Reggae - Steve Dalton
- The History of Jazz - Ted Gioia - 1997