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The most salient characteristic is improvisation—group and solo.

 

Most jazz has a rhythm section: bass, drums, also guitar, piano. The function of the rhythm section is to provide a cusion of rhythm that propels the music forward so that it swings; to propel the energy forward.

 

Most jazz has a metronomical underlying pulse, with syncopated and additive rhythm.

 

Most jazz has a reliance on popular song forms, dance, and blues.

 

Most jazz has tonal harmonic organization, synthetic scales, and blues scales for melodic material.

 

Most jazz has special performance practice techniques, attack/decay characteristics, phrasing.

 

Most jazz is performer oriented or performer/composer oriented.

 

Swing: Accurate timing of notes

 

Specific type of accentuation and inflection with which the notes are played or sung.

 

Continuity with which the notes are linked.