Jazz cadence

Definition

A jazz cadence is a specific type of harmonic progression that creates a sense of resolution or closure in jazz music. Unlike traditional cadences, jazz cadences often include extended chords, altered tones, and modal interchange, allowing for a more complex and rich harmonic palette. These cadences serve as a crucial element in improvisation, helping musicians navigate chord changes and establish thematic material.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jazz cadences often incorporate seventh chords or altered chords, making them more sophisticated than standard cadences found in classical music.
2. In jazz improvisation, musicians use cadences as a cue to signal transitions, allowing for seamless soloing over changing harmonies.
3. A common type of jazz cadence is the deceptive cadence, which resolves to an unexpected chord rather than the tonic, adding tension and surprise.
4. Jazz cadences can also include chromatic voice leading, where individual voices move by half steps to create smoother transitions between chords.
5. Understanding jazz cadences is essential for both composing and improvising in jazz, as they provide the groundwork for building melodies and phrases.

Review Questions

• How do jazz cadences differ from traditional cadences in their structure and function within a piece of music?
  • Jazz cadences differ from traditional cadences primarily through their complexity and use of extended chords. While traditional cadences often rely on simple triads and straightforward resolutions, jazz cadences incorporate altered tones and chord extensions that create richer harmonic textures. This complexity allows jazz musicians to explore various improvisational possibilities and add emotional depth to their performances.
• Discuss the role of the ii-V-I progression in establishing jazz cadences and how it contributes to harmonic movement.
  • The ii-V-I progression is foundational in establishing jazz cadences because it creates a clear path towards resolution. The movement from the ii chord to the V chord builds tension, which is then resolved when it reaches the I chord. This progression not only provides a sense of closure but also serves as a framework for improvisation, allowing musicians to explore melodic ideas while maintaining harmonic coherence.
• Evaluate the impact of modal interchange on the development of jazz cadences and its significance in modern jazz compositions.
  • Modal interchange significantly impacts the development of jazz cadences by introducing unexpected harmonic shifts that enhance emotional expression. By borrowing chords from parallel modes, musicians can create unique progressions that deviate from traditional expectations, fostering innovation in modern jazz compositions. This practice not only enriches the harmonic language but also challenges musicians to think creatively about melody and structure, allowing for more expressive performances.

Related terms

ii-V-I progression: A common chord progression in jazz that involves the second (ii), fifth (V), and first (I) degrees of a scale, often used to create smooth transitions and resolutions.

chord extensions: The addition of extra tones to a basic triad, such as the 7th, 9th, 11th, or 13th, which enriches the harmonic texture in jazz.

modal interchange: The practice of borrowing chords from parallel modes, providing unexpected harmonic shifts and new colors to progressions.