Abstract:

Computer models of jazz improvisation have often been based on modelers' personal musical experiences or on anecdotes about jazz musicians' preferences. While this type of information is essential for any study of jazz, it would seem that it should be supplemented with some more concrete evidence on the underlying principles of jazz. This paper presents the results of a few recent statistical studies on bebop-styled jazz improvisation [e.g., T. Jarvinen, ``Tonal Dynamics and Metrical Structures in Jazz Improvisation,'' Dept. of Musicology, Univ. of Jyvaskyla, Finland]. In particular, it is discussed how bebop musicians employ meter, global tonality, and development of tonality in order to create coherent improvisations. It is argued that these types of results may help researchers design models with greater relevance and more explicit premises. An example of an application of these results is presented in another paper in this session by Petri Toiviainen.