If you’re a jazz musician, then chances are you’ve already heard the term “stomp.” Stomp is a term used to describe a musical accompaniment traditionally found in blues-based music such as jazz and funk. It typically takes the form of a repeated bass line or chord progression, providing the foundation for other musicians to solo over.
Recently, I’ve been experimenting with incorporating stomp into my solos. The idea is to play two choruses of improvised melody and ornamentation before settling into the stomp accompaniment. This helps to create an exciting contrast between the more intricate melodic lines and the simple but powerful repetitions of the stomp bass line.
As I experiment with different variations on this technique, I find it helps me to focus on creating engaging rhythmic patterns with my phrasing and ornamentation before dropping into the stomp line. Playing two separate choruses gives me adequate room to develop ideas and variations before stepping back and allowing the stomp to take over as the main focus of the solo.
Stomp accompaniments are both inspiring and effective, particularly when they provide additional momentum to your improvisation – allowing you to explore wilder territory than before while still maintaining an element of familiarity. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, funk, or blues, give incorporating stomps into your solos a try, for an exciting way to add some energy and complexity to your playing!
It’s not often that we hear about a musician playing music with a lot of ornamentation and then transitioning into the backdrop of a ‘stomp’. But, for those of us who regularly listen to live performances, such a shift can be quite captivating.
One such artist is Elton John, who recently included this technique in his “Stomp” performance during his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. After playing through two choruses full of musical ornaments, Elton then moved into a more structured accompaniment that featured an underlying ‘stomp’ rhythm. This shift in energy created a moment where the audience truly felt like they were part of something special—something that only comes with witnessing a live performance.
Elton was able to truly showcase his skill as both an instrumentalist and a vocalist through this transition. From the soaring heights of his decoration-filled choruses to the catchy styles of his accompaniment, he was able to bring a special flavor and flavor to all those who witnessed it. As Elton moved into the stomp, he allowed the chorus to take on its own form and eventually build up to its climax.
It is clear that Elton knows how to use the tools available in order to craft an entertaining piece of music. Through this latest performance, he masterfully recreated one of his classic songs and enabled it to take on new life in front of a live audience.