My answers to…
QUESTIONS FOR JAZZ EDUCATORS (Part 2)
From Brad Goode: August 16, 2021 Facebook Post and Thread
Q1. One can improvise by using material applied to chord changes, either written or memorized, OR one can improvise by playing from instinct and ear over song forms that have been internalized. Are these two different art forms?
JC’s Answer – I would not call them Art Forms at all. The Art Form is performance.
They are two different processes of coordinating the body and the mind with the ear; as all performance within the art form is by ear. The terms “instinct” and “internalization” might be used to describe written and memorization processes; as it may be someone’s instinct to coordinate the ears, body, and mind through writing and study and then in turn, to memorize so as to internalize.
Both processes are valuable as a means to a beginning. When practiced thoroughly and genuinely they should lead to extremely personal internal change, discovery, and wonder, thus serving and developing the artist’s personal talents, skills, considerations, and relationship with the Art Form; there is no codifying an absolute or acceptable way to participate in the creation of an artifact within an art form.
There are the same inescapable laws of physics that we all commit to dancing with through dedicated repetition as we reimagine, through self discovery, new possibilities of self expression to serve the performance of our unique artifacts.
In this way, the deeply personal processes of practice lead to genuine honest innovation and revelation in performance.
– JC Heisler