Context

Improvisation is a lot like speech. The words (lines, licks, ideas) are part of the language (Jazz or other genre). The difference between a great orator and and a child is how they construct their sentences. It's not enough to put words in the right order. Your pacing has to be good, use of space to highlight or lead up to great points, and the context has to make sense.

One of the keys to improvising, especially when starting out trying to find your own voice, is to put things into context. That means when you find a good line, whether one you created or one you learned, you have to put it into context.

If we compare this to language it might look something like this:

Let's say our new found line is the phrase: I love to have donuts in the morning.

New improvisers take their new line and put it into a sequence like this:

"I love to drive red cars. I like to hang out with my friends. I love to have donuts in the morning. I like going to the beach."

The ideas are random and don't make sense together. Individually they're fine. Together...not so much.

However, great improvisers will do something more like this:

"After a long night of working at the club and getting 4 hours of sleep; I love to have donuts in the morning. Especially with coffee. You probably know the feeling as well. There is something about a soft sugary pastry with caffeine that gets me going."

Notice how the line fits into the story? It has context. Not only that, but everything after had a continuation to further the idea.

That's what we have to do when we improvise. When we find something we like, we have to put it into context. Practice by playing something slightly before and after the phrase so you can work the idea into a context.

Lesson Summary

In the context of music improvisation, it is important to treat phrases like sentences in speech, ensuring they flow naturally and cohesively. Some key points regarding improvisation include:

• A good improviser doesn't just string words together; they construct their phrases effectively.
• Pacing, use of space, and context play crucial roles in delivering an impactful improvisation.
• Putting discovered or learned lines into context is essential to developing a unique voice.

Comparing this to language, consider the following scenario:

• Random sequencing of lines without context can lack coherence.
• However, placing a line within a story or context enhances its impact and relevance.

Effective improvisers integrate their lines into a narrative for a more engaging performance:

• Using a line like "I love to have donuts in the morning" in a relatable story adds context and depth.
• Continuing the narrative after the line further emphasizes the idea and maintains coherence.

When improvising, it's crucial to practice incorporating lines within a broader context to create a seamless and meaningful performance.