Syncopation

Many of the old jazz songs from the 1920s and '30s make references to syncopation such as in Cake Walkin' Babies where they sing about the "struttin' syncopators."

I had no clue what the term meant the first time I heard it. As it turns out it is one of the key musical devices that defines jazz music. Basically, syncopation occurs when a musician plays notes off of the beat.

This web site gives a basic introduction to the term complete with examples. For a more detailed explanation, go here.

Jazz is not easy to define as we shall soon see. Determining who is and who is not a jazz musician is not something everyone can agree on. In exploring my own musical tastes I will be looking at some musicians and singers who may not normally be identified with jazz, but who nevertheless have made significant contributions to the art form.