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Jazz: Music and Musical Recording

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Jazz: Music and Musical Recording
Chapter 1 Extra Credit Questions

1. Why is jazz hard to define? Describe some of the reasons why it is sometimes difficult to determine if a musical recording or a performance qualifies as jazz.

Jazz does not have one set style, but rather many styles which leaves the definition of jazz hard to define. A jazz player can play any style they want and there aren’t really set rules they have to follow to be considered jazz, just a few guidelines that are taken into consideration. It can sometimes be difficult to determine if a musical recording or a performance qualifies as jazz because its styles can be heard in other kinds of music. Jazz can also be played with a variety of instruments so it can be confusing as to whether or not the music qualifies as jazz.

2. Describe the relationship between the rules rhythm section instruments must adhere to and the freedoms they have to play what they want in fulfilling their specific roles.

Rules that rhythm section instruments must adhere to is they must support the soloist even if that means they are playing while the soloist is playing. While supporting the soloist, they also have some freedom as to what they play by improvising in a more limited way.
Chapter 1 Extra Credit Questions

1. Why is jazz hard to define? Describe some of the reasons why it is sometimes difficult to determine if a musical recording or a performance qualifies as jazz.

Jazz does not have one set style, but rather many styles which leaves the definition of jazz hard to define. A jazz player can play any style they want and there aren’t really set rules they have to follow to be considered jazz, just a few guidelines that are taken into consideration. It can sometimes be difficult to determine if a musical recording or a performance qualifies as jazz because its styles can be heard in other kinds of music. Jazz can also be played with a variety of instruments so it can be confusing as to whether or not the music qualifies as jazz.

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