Question

what is a good draft for jazz

Answer 1

Drafting a new jazz piece involves several essential components to capture the essence of the genre while allowing for creativity and expression. Here’s a basic outline that you can use as a draft for your jazz composition:

### Jazz Piece Draft

#### Title: **[Your Jazz Title Here]**

#### Style/Genre:
- **Subgenre:** (e.g., Swing, Bebop, Latin Jazz, Fusion)
- **Tempo:** (e.g., Upbeat, Medium, Slow)
- **Time Signature:** (e.g., 4/4, 3/4, 6/8)

#### Instrumentation:
- **Lead Instruments:** (e.g., Trumpet, Saxophone, Piano)
- **Rhythm Section:** (e.g., Bass, Drums, Guitar)
- **Optional Instruments:** (e.g., Trombone, Vibraphone)

#### Form:
1. **Intro:** (4-8 bars, setting the mood)
- Describe the feel/introduction of the piece.

2. **Main Theme (A Section):** (16-32 bars)
- Establish a catchy melody.
- Consider a call-and-response structure.

3. **Bridge (B Section):** (8-16 bars)
- Introduce contrasting material or key change.
- Experiment with different rhythms or harmonies.

4. **Improvisation Sections:**
- **Solo 1:** (e.g., instrument, length, style)
- **Solo 2:** (optional, different instrument)
- Include chord changes for improvisers, such as:
- AABA structure or 12-bar blues.

5. **Recap of Main Theme (A Section):**
- Repeat the main theme, possibly with variations or embellishments.

6. **Outro:** (4-8 bars)
- Conclude the piece gracefully, possibly returning to the intro or fading out.

#### Chord Progressions:
- **Main Theme Chords:**
- Describe the harmonic progression (e.g., ii-V-I).

- **Bridge Chords:**
- Specify any unique or interesting chord choices, including substitutions.

#### Mood/Concept:
- Describe the emotional landscape or story behind the piece.
- Mention key influences or inspirations.

#### Notation:
- Indicate where to start and finish any improvisational sections (e.g., solo cuts).
- Use standard jazz notation formats for clarity.

#### Performance Notes:
- Dynamics: (e.g., crescendos, accents)
- Style Indicators: (e.g., swing feel, straight eighths)
- Specific Instructions for Improvisers: (e.g., modes or scales to use)

### Example:
#### Title: **"Evening Stroll"**

#### Style/Genre:
- **Subgenre:** Swing
- **Tempo:** Medium (120 BPM)
- **Time Signature:** 4/4

#### Instrumentation:
- Lead Instruments: Alto Sax, Piano
- Rhythm Section: Double Bass, Drums, Guitar

#### Form:
1. **Intro:** 4 bars (Piano solo with walking bass)
2. **Main Theme (A Section):** 16 bars (Call in Sax, Answer in Piano)
3. **Bridge (B Section):** 8 bars (Key Change to Eb, with syncopation)
4. **Improvisation Sections:**
- **Solo 1:** Alto Sax (8 bars)
- **Solo 2:** Piano (8 bars)
5. **Recap of Main Theme (A Section):** 16 bars
6. **Outro:** 4 bars (Fading on the melody)

#### Chord Progressions:
- **Main Theme Chords:** | Dm7 | G7 | Cmaj7 | A7 | Dm7 | G7 | Cmaj7 | Am7 D7 |
- **Bridge Chords:** | Bbmaj7 | C7 | Cm7 | F7 | Bbmaj7 | C7 | A7 | D7 |

#### Mood/Concept:
- A leisurely evening walk through the city, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of urban life.

### Performance Notes:
- Dynamics: Start soft, build intensity during solos, end gently.
- Swing feel is essential, especially in the main theme.

Feel free to customize this draft according to your ideas and musical vision! Happy composing!