Bar-line shift

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Bar-line shift on rhythm changes B section Play. Bar-line shift on rhythm changes B section.png
Bar-line shift on rhythm changes B section Play .

In jazz, a bar-line shift is a technique in which, during improvisation, one plays the chord from the measure before, as an anticipation of a chord, or after the given chord, as a delay, either intentionally or as an "accident." [1]

Bar-line shifts may be caused by a novice having lost their place in the chord progression, but is most often attributable to: "(1)...harmonic generalization, as in the case of playing a IIø to V7 (+5, +9) progression [II-V-I turnaround] as only a V7 (+5, +9); or (2) the player wanted to play the previous chord (though it has already transpired), but was either pausing momentarily (as in taking a breath), and decides to adopt the 'better later than never' attitude." [1] An example of a "very intentional" bar-line shift may be found on Cannonball Adderley's solo on "So What," "in which he deliberately enters and exits the bridge early, causing considerable tension, since the chord of the A section (D-) is one-half step lower than the chord of the bridge (E-)." [1] Other notable performers to use this technique include Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins, and Pat Metheny. [2] [3]

Bar-line shift's effect on metric accent: first two lines vs. second two lines Play. Bar-line shift on metric accent.png
Bar-line shift's effect on metric accent: first two lines vs. second two lines Play .

Outside of jazz, a bar-line shift may be less than a bar, causing a change in the metric accent of the melody and its cadence. [4]

See also

Sources

  1. 1 2 3 Coker, Jerry (1997). Elements of the Jazz Language for the Developing Improvisor, p.83. ISBN   1-57623-875-X.
  2. "Bar-Line Shift and Superimposition". TJPS. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
  3. Heerspink, Lee A. (2020) A Bright Size Transformation: Examining Pat Metheny’s Improvisatory Evolution through Select Original Compositions from the Album Bright Size Life (1976), pg. 46. ISBN 9798641899565
  4. Newman, William S. (1995). Beethoven on Beethoven: Playing His Piano Music His Way, p.170-71. ISBN   0-393-30719-0.

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