How is jazz composed?

Can I get some constructive criticism on some Jazz music I've composed?

• I've never really been a fan of jazz music, but I've recently tried to put together some jazz compositions and I need some feedback on how to improve it in general. ...show more

• Answer:

  Not going to get a pat on the back and told you're compositions were wonderful from me; because they weren't. Don't stop reading because I do have some very constructive advise, But your compositions were pretty bad---I'm not sure I would really classify them as Jazz. Jazz is a very complicated, textured music, layer upon layer of tone and rhythm. Your compositions are overly repetitive, overly simplistic and don't go anywhere musically. "Kill Your Best Friend" was a non-starter from the title--Cesspool X?--this would "kill" (excuse the pun) the composition out of the gate. Save such titles for something else. What you need to do is listen to some jazz, I'm going to recommend some artists that are available on YouTube---they're primarily small group recordings so you can see how jazz is layered and textured even when being performed by 3 or 4 musicians. Listen to some Chet Baker--he's a trumpeter and singer; Check out he Dave Brubeck Quartet--Dave plays piano and Paul Desmond plays sax. You might also listen to some Miles Davis (won't necessarily be in a small group) --I think "Bitches Brew" might be something close to what you were trying to accomplish. "Bitches Brew" the album, was his most controversial work. I don't particularly care for it, but I can appreciate it. Listen to the layers of tone, texture and rhythm in the midst of all the mayhem. Good luck with your compositions, but you really need to understand Jazz before you can ever hope to produce acceptable compositions.