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Writing jazz songs involves a blend of creativity, music theory, and improvisation. Here's a comprehensive look at how jazz songs are typically written, including musical theory, examples, and practical steps:
1. Concept and Theme
Explanation: Jazz songs often start with a concept or theme, which could be inspired by personal experiences, literature, or even other music genres. This theme influences the mood, melody, and sometimes the structure of the song.
Example: "Misty" by Erroll Garner was inspired by the feeling of being lost in thought or love, which is reflected in its dreamy melody and harmonic progressions.
2. Form and Structure
Explanation: Jazz compositions frequently employ standard forms like AABA, where "A" represents a main theme (often 8 bars each), and "B" (the bridge) contrasts with "A". Other common forms include the 12-bar blues or 32-bar song form.
AABA: Commonly used in jazz standards. "I Got Rhythm" by George Gershwin is a classic example.
12-Bar Blues: Often used for improvisation; "C Jam Blues" by Duke Ellington is an example where the structure supports extensive solos.
ABAC: Less common but used, like in "Lover Man" by Jimmy Davis.
Music Theory: Understanding form helps in placing chord changes and melodies in a way that feels balanced or deliberately unbalanced for effect.
3. Harmony
Explanation: Jazz is known for its complex harmonies, often involving extended chords (7ths, 9ths, 11ths, 13ths), altered chords, and modal interchange.
Chord Progressions: Typically, jazz uses ii-V-I progressions, often in different keys or with substitutions. For example, in the key of C major, you might see Dm7 (ii) - G7 (V) - Cmaj7 (I).
Modal Jazz: Utilizing modes of scales for unique harmonic color, as in Miles Davis' "So What", which uses the Dorian mode for much of its structure.
Example: The song "Autumn Leaves" by Jacques Prévert and Joseph Kosma features a progression that loops through minor ii-V-i sequences in several keys.
4. Melody
Explanation: Jazz melodies are often crafted to be memorable yet complex, with room for improvisation. They might include chromaticism, wide intervals, or syncopation.
Music Theory:
Scales: Use of major, minor, and modal scales. Melodies might start in one key but explore others through the chord changes.
Rhythmic Motifs: Jazz melodies can be rhythmically intricate, playing with time signatures or using syncopation, as in "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck in 5/4 time.
Example: The melody of "My Favorite Things" by Richard Rodgers, famously reinterpreted by John Coltrane, uses a simple tune but is played with variations and improvisation.
5. Improvisation
Explanation: While not strictly composition, improvisation is integral to jazz. Composers write parts of the song with the intent that musicians will interpret and expand upon it in performance.
Music Theory:
Scales and Modes: Soloists use scales corresponding to the chords (like the Dorian for minor 7 chords or Lydian for major 7 chords).
Chord Tones: Focusing on the notes of the chords being played to ensure melodic coherence.
Example: Charlie Parker's improvisation over the chord changes of "Cherokee" resulted in "Ko-Ko", showcasing how a composition can be transformed through improvisation.
6. Arrangement
Explanation: Arranging involves deciding how the melody, harmony, and rhythm will be distributed among instruments, often with an eye for creating interesting textures or contrasts.
Music Theory: Understanding orchestration, voicings for different instruments, and how to use space in music.
Example: Gil Evans' arrangements for Miles Davis, particularly "Sketches of Spain", where the orchestration adds a rich tapestry to the composition.
Practical Steps to Write a Jazz Song:
Choose a Form: Decide if you're going with a standard like AABA or something more experimental.
Develop a Melody: Start with a simple tune, then add variations. Consider how it might be sung or played.
Harmonize: Write a chord progression that complements your melody. Experiment with jazz chord extensions and substitutions.
Sketch the Structure: Outline where sections repeat, where solos might go, and how the song will conclude.
Improvisation Sections: If applicable, plan where there will be space for improvisation, suggesting chord changes or scales.
Arrangement: Decide on instrumentation or how different parts will interact in an ensemble setting.
Refinement: Play your composition or use software to hear how it sounds. Adjust based on what feels right or where improvisation might lead.
Notation and Sharing: Write it out in notation software like Finale or Sibelius for clarity and to share with other musicians.
Software and Resources:
MuseScore, Finale, Sibelius: For notation.
Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, or Pro Tools: For recording and sequencing ideas.
Transcribe! or AmazingMIDI: To analyze and learn from existing jazz recordings.
Jazzology by Robert Rawlins: A book offering insights into jazz theory and composition.
Jazz Standards Play-Along Tracks: Use these to practice composition and improvisation over known changes.
Writing jazz involves a deep understanding of music theory, but also an openness to break from conventions for artistic expression. The process is iterative, often involving collaboration and evolution through performance.
