Improvisation Driven

Jazz is "Improvisational Driven" music. What I mean is that every aspect of the music is improvisational driven. From how we solo, to how we interpret and phrase melodies, to the melody's/harmonies/rhythms we play, to how we build technique, learn repertoire, interact with each other, and how educate others and learn from others. When you take these elements out of Jazz music, it is no longer "Jazz". Doesn't make it better or worse. "It is what it is" as some have said through the years. When "Pop" artists pretend to do Jazz, whether record it, perform it at festivals, whatever, they miss this point. This is what we as Jazz Musicians need to hold on to. Be honest with all you do and people will appreciate it.