LJS 150: Using Enclosure to Create Bebop Lines Over a Jazz Blues

Welcome to episode 150 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about a technique called "enclosure." Enclosure is a way to conceptualize bebop language, and how jazz musicians approach important chord tones. We learn the basics of enclosure and then apply it over a jazz blues. Listen in!
Listen to episode 150







When it comes to becoming a great jazz improviser, I think there are two parts of the puzzle to consider:

* Learning it by ear (aka. learning solos, licks...etc)
* Conceptualizing it (music theory, techniques...etc)

Today's episode focuses on the latter one.
One way to conceptualize bebop language (lots of chromaticism and angular melodies), is through a technique called enclosure.
In this episode, I go over the basics of enclosure, how it works, and then I demonstrate a jazz blues etude that utilizes this technique to the max.
Here's what I go over in today's episode:
1. Enclosure 101 (video excerpt)
2. Bebop jazz blues etude using enclosure
I mention in this episode that some visual aids may be helpful. So below I have all of the examples I use, including the jazz blues etude.
Video referenced in the show:

Enclosure 101 examples:
Ex. 1

Ex. 2

Ex. 3

Ex. 4

Ex. 5

Ex. 6

Blues Enclosure Etude:
Etude notation

Etude notation (with enclosures circled)
Important Links
LJS 146: 3 Strategies for Improvising Over a Jazz Blues
Learn Jazz Standards Newsletter