Ontdef10. Why is it jazz if it doesn't swing?
Discussion[edit]
Jazz and non-swing[edit]
1. Why is it still jazz even if it doesn't swing?
ARGUMENT FROM SYNCOPATION: Swing is only one amongst an unlimited number of related families of rhythmic possibilities that syncopate. Syncopation is defined at Music Novatory “A syncopation can best be defined as the prolongation of a note attacked on an Off-beat to the next Beat.” [1]
Jazz is interested in syncopation and those rhythmic interests are executed by motivated musicians doing the performing. Striving for creativity these same musicians and other unrelated ones expand rhythmic horizons and possibilities beyond or next to or other than swing as a limiting principle it has been rejected by the non-swing followers. Such non-swing performances remain true to spirit of jazz that encourages innovative creativity in a cooperative group setting, i.e. the band can still be jazz performances.
Why isn't the preceding argument begging the question when concluding non-swing music may be jazz?
The argument's conclusion is that jazz can exist using non-swing rhythms. If the preceding
NOTES[edit]
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