Hook-Laden

[chandra]

When I read album reviews, I sometimes see mention of 'hook-laden music'. The connotation is usually a bit on the negative side. Though I see often-used 'cliche' hook as cheesy, isn't it the case that most of the popular music has the widest appeal because they all have some catchy melodic and rhythmic hook?

How does 'hook' figure in Jazz?

[Dan Gould]

How does 'hook' figure in Jazz?

An interesting question. When I think of some of my favorite jazz tunes, like "Watermelon Man" or "Senor Blues" or "Our Delight" or "Whisper Not" ... is it the catchy theme that "hooks" me? Or is it what Hank/Freddie/Dex/Herbie/Lee/Benny/Bobby do in their solos that "makes" the tune?

I guess its the total package - theme and variations - that makes jazz for me, but certainly, "hooks" have a place, too.

[Harold_Z]

Hooks aren't necesarily negative - especially in Jazz.

I see the pep chorus in Walkin' as a hook. I mean the last chorus before they play the head. Another example - the chord cycle Bunny Bericgan blows on as an interlude before blowing on the changes of I can't Get Started.

Hooks are cool.

[BruceH]

Me likey the hooks.

[danasgoodstuff]

I think the negative connotation of hook-laden comes from people who do in a cheap way where there is nothing else to a tune than some little fragment of melody or riff, often not v. original and based on obvious basic harmony, that just gets stuck in your head and you can't get rid of it...I think most here, as evidenced above, have an appreciation for original/unusual memorable melodies that are easy to appreciate if not easy to write (otherwise everyone would do it). Part of it is also some jazzers defensive attitude towards 'pop' which is a whole 'nother can of worms', much more in evidence over at aalaboutjazz.com than here...

[chandra]

Part of it is also some jazzers defensive attitude towards 'pop' which is a whole 'nother can of worms', much more in evidence over at aalaboutjazz.com than here

There is also this thing to consider. Many people automatically stay away from pop based on the principle:

"Bigness is bad and consensus weakens the moral fiber".

Edited May 2, 2005 by chandra