What does stop-time refer to in jazz?

What does stop-time refer to in jazz?

• A. A technique where the rhythm section stops playing to highlight soloists
• B. A tempo change to double the beat
• C. A dynamic marking indicating softer playing
• D. A form of melodic variation

Answer: (A)

Stop-time is a jazz technique where the rhythm section largely pauses the usual accompaniment after the first beat of a measure, while the soloist continues to improvise over held chords. The band may punctuate with brief hits or stabs on the downbeat to mark changes, and then re-enter together after the solo phrase. This creates space and emphasizes the soloist’s phrasing. This isn’t about doubling the tempo, nor about playing softer as a general dynamic marking, nor about melodic variation. It’s specifically the practice of stopping the normal groove to spotlight the solo.

Stop-time is a jazz technique where the rhythm section largely pauses the usual accompaniment after the first beat of a measure, while the soloist continues to improvise over held chords. The band may punctuate with brief hits or stabs on the downbeat to mark changes, and then re-enter together after the solo phrase. This creates space and emphasizes the soloist’s phrasing.

This isn’t about doubling the tempo, nor about playing softer as a general dynamic marking, nor about melodic variation. It’s specifically the practice of stopping the normal groove to spotlight the solo.