Jazz Terminology
Here are some terms which you will need to be familiar with if you intend to play Jazz.
- Tune – A song or composition which is used as the basis for improvisation.
- Changes – The underlying chord progression of a song (a series of chord changes).
- Head – The melody of a song, usually played at the start and finish, with solos in between.
- Chorus – Once through the entire form of the piece.
- Bridge – The B Section or "middle eight".
- Blowing – Improvising, taking a solo.
- Trading Fours – Musicians taking turns to improvise four bar phrases.
- Bop – Bebop style (e.g. Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk).
There are many more such terms, but knowing these will help you out in Jam sessions.