How to Listen to Jazz

Check out how bassist Paul Chambers interacts with drummer Philly Joe Jones on those classic jazz recordings from the 1950s; or Ron Carter and Tony Williams in the 1960s; or Christian McBride and Brian Blade in the current day.

I may love both New Orleans jazz and bebop, but I definitely listen for different things in these two idioms.

various recorded tenor sax battles between Zoot Sims and Al Cohn,

The first thing I listen for is the degree of rhythmic cohesion between the different musicians in the band. Some jazz critics might describe this as swing.

especially evident when listening to saxophonists.

Listen a moment and then start right in.