2. Notation#

2.1. Lead sheets#

A lead sheet is a simplified version of a piece of music that typically includes the melody, lyrics (if applicable), and chord changes. Lead sheets are commonly used in jazz music to provide a basic outline of a tune that can be used as a starting point for improvisation.

Lead sheets usually include the melody of the tune written in standard music notation, as well as the lyrics (if applicable) written out below the staff. The chord changes for the tune are also written out using chord symbols, which indicate the type and quality of the chords used in the tune.

Lead sheets are typically used as a reference for musicians who are familiar with the tune, and provide a basic structure that can be used as a foundation for improvisation. Musicians can use the lead sheet as a guide to play the melody and chord changes of the tune, and can then add their own personal touch and style to the music through improvisation. Lead sheets are a useful tool for musicians to communicate and play music together, and are an important part of the jazz tradition.

For our band we’ve created leadsheets for the songs we play at https://www.redjackets.nl/songs/.

Some other great resources are:

2.2. The Jazz Default#

As mentioned in the post Jazz Notation- The Default [DEB2014] , there are some assumptions when reading jazz music.

  • Swing eight notes (but not fully, should be “between the cracks”)

  • Quarter notes are short

  • Eight notes are long

  • Fast notes will be slurred

  • Long notes will swell

  • If the dynamic is forte or more, the notes will be played with accents

  • The length of the lead trumpet note is proportional to its height.

2.2.1. Swing Eight notes#

Although the notes are written straight they should be played with a swung feel. This should not be completely swung. See the drum chapter for more information.

There is a nice article [DOL2013] which provides a comprehensive survey of the use of second line rhythms in jazz, rhythm and blues, and funk music. Through a detailed analysis of two musical examples, the article illustrates the varied and creative ways in which second line rhythms have been employed by musicians across these genres. But especially the analysis of the swing gives some insight.

2.3. References#

DEB2014

Davies, T. (2014) Jazz Notation - The Default, timusic.net - Debreved. Available at: https://www.timusic.net/debreved/jazz-notation/ (Accessed: December 29, 2022).

DOL2013

Doleac, B. (2013) Strictly Second Line: Funk, Jazz, and the New Orleans Beat, Ethnomusicology Review. UCLA. Available at: https://ethnomusicologyreview.ucla.edu/journal/volume/18/piece/699 (Accessed: January 2, 2023).