What is a "jazz standard"?

Understanding Jazz Standards: An Overview

Jazz standards are compositions that have enduring popularity and are frequently performed and recorded by jazz musicians. They form an integral part of the musical repertoire of jazz musicians and are widely recognized by both jazz musicians and listeners. Jazz standards often serve as the foundation for jazz arrangements and improvisations, allowing musicians to showcase their creativity and interpretation skills.

The Criteria for Jazz Standard Status

A song becomes a jazz standard when it is recorded by numerous artists and stands the test of time. Its popularity and longevity contribute to its status as a standard. Furthermore, jazz standards are often covered by vocalists, as their interpretations tend to resonate with people and contribute to the song’s enduring appeal.

The Role of Jazz Standards in Jazz Education

Learning and performing jazz standards is an essential aspect of a young musician’s development in the jazz genre. The study of standards helps musicians become familiar with the language, vocabulary, and stylistic nuances of jazz. Jazz educators and experienced musicians often use standards as a way to assess and evaluate a musician’s skills and understanding of the genre. It is not uncommon for older jazz musicians to challenge younger musicians by asking them to perform well-known standards to gauge their proficiency and musicality.

The Evolution of Jazz Standards

The concept of jazz standards has evolved over time. While there is a focus on original compositions in modern jazz, there was a period when jazz musicians creatively reinterpreted existing standards. Musicians like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie would cleverly incorporate new melodies on top of existing harmonic progressions, transforming the songs and making them their own. This approach allowed for innovation and pushed the boundaries of jazz music.

Notable Examples and Recent Standards

One example of a notable jazz standard is “Birdland,” composed by Joe Zawinul in 1977. It gained popularity through recordings by Weather Report and Manhattan Transfer and became a frequently performed piece by high school and college bands. “Birdland” represents one of the last great standards that have emerged in recent decades.

In conclusion, jazz standards are compositions that have enduring popularity and are widely performed and recorded by jazz musicians. They play a crucial role in jazz education, serve as a basis for jazz arrangements and improvisations, and reflect the evolution and creativity within the genre.

Sources:

• Jazz standard – Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz_standard
• Jazz Standards Overview – JazzStandards.com. Retrieved from https://www.jazzstandards.com/overview.definition.htm
• What Makes a Jazz Standard? – NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2018/05/21/613091545/what-makes-a-jazz-standard

FAQs

What is the definition of a jazz standard?

Jazz standards are compositions that have enduring popularity and are frequently performed and recorded by jazz musicians. They are held in high esteem and form an integral part of the jazz musical repertoire.

How do songs become jazz standards?

A song becomes a jazz standard when it is widely recorded and stands the test of time. Its popularity, frequent performances, and enduring appeal contribute to its status as a standard. Additionally, jazz standards are often covered by vocalists, adding to their recognition and influence.

Why are jazz standards important in jazz education?

Jazz standards play a vital role in jazz education as they help aspiring musicians develop their skills and understanding of the genre. Learning and performing standards enable students to grasp the language, stylistic nuances, and improvisational techniques of jazz music. They also serve as a benchmark for evaluating a musician’s proficiency and musicality.

How have jazz standards evolved over time?

Jazz standards have evolved along with the development of jazz music. While there is an emphasis on original compositions in modern jazz, there was a period when musicians creatively reinterpreted existing standards. They would add new melodies and innovative arrangements to familiar harmonic progressions, pushing the boundaries of the genre and contributing to its evolution.

Can you provide examples of recent jazz standards?

One notable example of a recent jazz standard is “Birdland,” composed by Joe Zawinul in 1977. It gained popularity through recordings by Weather Report and Manhattan Transfer and has since become a frequently performed piece by high school and college bands. However, the emergence of new jazz standards has become less common in recent decades.

How many jazz standards are there?

The exact number of jazz standards is difficult to determine, as it is a constantly evolving and subjective category. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of compositions that are widely recognized and regularly performed as jazz standards.

Can jazz standards be compositions from any genre?

Yes, jazz standards can originate from various genres, including popular music, Broadway musicals, and even classical music. The key factor that distinguishes them as jazz standards is their enduring popularity and their adaptation and interpretation by jazz musicians.

Are jazz standards still influential in contemporary jazz?

While there is a continued appreciation and reverence for jazz standards, contemporary jazz has also embraced original compositions and innovative approaches. Jazz musicians draw inspiration from both the repertoire of standards and new compositions, allowing for a diverse and evolving jazz landscape.