Syncopated rhythms, extended harmonies and sprawling solos. Jazz is a special breed of music that breaks the rules, goes off script and challenges you to expect the unexpected. It also has the power to reduce stress, pain and anxiety, and spark creativity.
Jazz emerged from the southern US city of New Orleans in the early 20th century. With its improvisation and rhythmic gymnastics, it has spontaneity at its core. Madeline Castrey is a musicologist, musician and academic, and she explains that it’s the unpredictability that sets jazz apart from other genres, and also its musical complexity.
‘With jazz music there are so many melodic and harmonic intricacies that make it stylistically so distinctive. For instance, you might hear chord extensions and substitutions, chromaticism, dissonance – all things that create a truly unique listening experience, which in turn makes pieces all the more emotive and colourful.’
She says it’s a similar story with the performance aspect. ‘The use of improvisation means that it’s quite common for no two performances of the same piece to sound the same. As a musician playing jazz, there is a heightened opportunity for connection with fellow players and there really is no greater joy than “speaking without speaking”. It’s knowing glances, nods of the head – all small nuances of communication that can signal the end of a section or the extension of a solo. This in turn extends to the audience – whether live in the room or listening to a recording at home – who can be equally stimulated by the unpredictability of the performance.’
Feel the pulse
There are some surprising benefits to listening to jazz, beyond pure enjoyment. Research has shown that it can reduce pain, stress and even depression. Scientists at the University of California, Irvine, found that mindfully listening to jazz can reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain, and may help decrease anxiety and increase mindfulness among chronic patients.
Madeline explains: ‘When we listen to any music with a moderate tempo, our heart rate and breathing patterns can synchronise to the beat we hear. When we’re feeling stressed or anxious, our heart rate can increase, so choosing a piece of music between 60 to 80 beats per minute allows our heart rate to sync or “entrain” to that pulse, thus slowing it down. Try listening to Blue in Green from Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue album, for example.
‘Smooth, even-tempo pieces can reduce feelings of physical tension, while energetic rhythm and metre can help to stimulate energy. In terms of our neurological stimulation, the complexity present in jazz can also engage more areas of your brain, creating something of a neurological workout.’
Madeline uses jazz to focus her attention and inspire creativity. ‘As jazz is so unpredictable, its complexity may stimulate the brain in unique ways when compared with other genres. This can have a direct impact on your ability to focus and produce creative output. However, even with all of its complexity, jazz can be very efficient at helping us to feel mindful and grounded. If you listen to a piece of jazz and try to follow the melody or structure, you have to work a little bit harder. This, coupled with the richness of the harmony and timbre, invites you to listen closely and can draw you away from mental rumination.’
Music to your ears?
Jazz is often misunderstood. There are many different strands and styles, from trad jazz to soul jazz, bebop to Latin; you might hate one style but love another.
Some types (think free jazz) can be hugely challenging, with mammoth solos and rhythms that scramble your brain. Don’t start there. Instead, begin with the big hitters: Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Duke Ellington. Dabble around in compilations. Look for the ‘hook’ that will get you hooked. Keep exploring the many different strands of jazz to discover what clicks with you.
‘Start off with instrumental jazz music,’ suggests Madeline. ‘And schedule some time to listen mindfully. In our stressful lives, it’s becoming increasingly harder to give things our full attention – but try to be very deliberate in your listening. Don’t pick a piece that’s too long, and just focus on the mood. How is it making you feel and what do you think it’s hoping to convey? Can you think of a scene or image you can match to this music? You may find this activates some memories for you.’
She suggests asking yourself questions around key musical elements, such as: how many instruments are there? Can you tap the beat? Is there a main melodic theme? All this can help you mindfully engage with the music and get the most out of it.
Choose your medium
Is there a particular medium that will get you closest to the core of jazz? Some people swear by vinyl, with its warmth, crackle and pops. Vinyl also brings the joy of exploring sleeve artwork (especially the iconic cover art of the Blue Note Records label). Then there are digital recordings that bring pin-sharp clarity and convenience. Put on your headphones and get completely immersed in the sound. Or try some live gigs, watching, listening and feeling the music deep in your bones. Add to that the buzz of the crowd and the anticipation of really not knowing what’s going to happen next, and where the music will go, and you’re in for a treat.
However you choose to listen, and whatever type you delve into, jazz is a reminder of the power of spontaneity. How being present, responsive and unbound by rules can inject aliveness and creativity into anything you do.
Jazz starter playlist
Summertime, Charlie Parker
You’ll recognise this tune but maybe not this version. Charlie Parker is considered to be the greatest jazz saxophonist, and he meanders in, out and round this much-loved melody. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the saxophone.
Best listened to: As you cook up a storm in the kitchen.
Cantaloupe Island, Herbie Hancock
A soul jazz classic, Herbie Hancock’s rhythmic piano refrain is soothing, while the trumpet swoops and soars. It’s a good track to listen to when you need to focus on a task (then maybe hop up and have a little wiggle).
Best listened to: Working to deadline and need to keep your calm.
My Baby Just Cares For Me, Nina Simone
This one’s in the collective consciousness, but deserves a really, really close listen. It’s an iconic song from the ‘High Priestess of Soul’, showcasing not only her epic voice but also her virtuoso piano playing.
Best listened to: While doing absolutely nothing else at all.
C Jam Blues, Oscar Peterson Trio
This snappy and skittish track flits all over the place, while following a basic 12-bar blues pattern. The original was composed by Duke Ellington in 1942 and this version, recorded 21 years later, is packed full of energy and verve.
Best listened to: If you’re running late for work in the morning.
The Sidewinder, Lee Morgan
With its syncopation, spiky brass and sequence of awesome solos, this 10-minute classic will get you moving. Inspired by boogaloo, it’s the title track of the 1964 album.
Best listened to: When you need a little extra pick-me-up.
In a Sentimental Mood, Duke Ellington and John Coltrane
Featuring not one but two jazz legends, this track is pared back and soothing, with a gentle, expressive melody.
Best listened to: Winding down at the end of the day.
Find Madeline Castrey at wearechoon.com