Jazz's influence on R&B and soul music is profound, shaping their harmonic structures, vocal techniques, and instrumental approaches. From extended chords to scat singing, these genres borrowed heavily from jazz, creating a rich fusion of styles.

The impact of jazz is evident in R&B and soul's use of sophisticated chord progressions, improvisation, and the incorporation of jazz musicians in bands. This cross-pollination resulted in a more complex and expressive sound that defined these genres.

Jazz Influences in R&B and Soul

Jazz harmony in R&B and soul

• Extended chords enrich R&B and soul harmonies using 7th, 9th, and 13th chords (Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder)
• Altered dominant chords add tension and color to progressions (Marvin Gaye)
• Jazz-inspired chord progressions like ii-V-I and turnarounds create sophisticated harmonic movement (Aretha Franklin)
• Harmonic substitutions including tritone substitutions and secondary dominants add complexity (Earth, Wind & Fire)
• Modal influences incorporate Dorian and Mixolydian modes expanding harmonic palette (Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock)

Jazz vocal techniques in R&B

• Scat singing incorporates improvised syllables and melodic lines (Ella Fitzgerald, Al Jarreau)
• Melismatic phrasing embellishes melodies with multiple notes per syllable (Whitney Houston)
• Improvisational vocal runs add expressive ornamentation (Beyoncé)
• Call and response patterns create dialogue between vocalist and band (James Brown)
• Jazz-influenced phrasing and timing emphasize offbeats and syncopation (Frank Sinatra)
• Blue notes in vocal melodies add emotional depth and soulfulness (B.B. King)

Jazz musicians in R&B bands

• Horn sections infuse soul bands with jazz-inspired arrangements and punchy brass riffs (Tower of Power)
• Rhythm sections contribute walking bass lines and syncopated drum patterns (Motown's Funk Brothers)
• Keyboard players incorporate jazz voicings adding harmonic richness (Herbie Hancock in Miles Davis' band)
• Guitar players use jazz-influenced chord voicings and single-note lines (Wes Montgomery, George Benson)

Improvisation in R&B performances

• Solo sections showcase individual musicians' improvisational skills (Prince)
• Trading fours between instruments creates dynamic interplay (James Brown's band)
• Jazz scales in improvised solos utilize bebop scales and pentatonic scales with chromatic approach notes (John Coltrane)
• Rhythmic complexity in improvised lines adds syncopation and polyrhythms (Stevie Wonder)
• Jazz licks and phrases incorporate bebop vocabulary into R&B context (Charlie Parker influence)
• Development of motifs within solos builds coherent musical statements (Miles Davis)