Meaning: The quote "In jazz, there is a lot of European influence harmonically" by Dexter Gordon, a renowned jazz musician, speaks to the intricate relationship between jazz and European music. Jazz, as a musical genre, has always been characterized by its ability to absorb and integrate various musical influences, and the impact of European harmonic traditions on jazz is a significant aspect of its development.

One of the defining features of jazz music is its harmonic complexity, which sets it apart from many other musical genres. European musical traditions, particularly those of classical and romantic music, have played a crucial role in shaping the harmonic language of jazz. European classical music, with its emphasis on complex chord progressions, rich harmonies, and sophisticated tonal relationships, has provided a fertile ground for jazz musicians to explore and incorporate into their own musical vocabulary.

The influence of European harmonic traditions on jazz can be observed in various aspects of the music, including chord progressions, harmonic structures, and melodic development. Jazz musicians have drawn inspiration from European composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Claude Debussy, and Maurice Ravel, integrating their harmonic innovations into the improvisational and compositional practices of jazz.

One of the key elements of European harmonic influence on jazz is the use of extended and altered chords. European classical music has a long history of employing complex chords and chordal extensions to create rich and colorful harmonic textures. Jazz musicians have embraced this harmonic language, incorporating extended chords, such as ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth chords, into their compositions and improvisations. The use of altered chords, such as augmented and diminished chords, further reflects the influence of European harmonic practices on jazz.

Furthermore, the concept of harmonic progression, a fundamental aspect of European classical music, has been a significant influence on jazz. Jazz compositions often feature sophisticated harmonic progressions that exhibit a clear debt to the European tradition. The use of modulations, chromaticism, and non-diatonic harmonic movement in jazz compositions reflects the influence of European harmonic practices on the genre.

The impact of European harmonic influence on jazz is also evident in the harmonic sophistication of jazz improvisation. Jazz musicians draw on European harmonic concepts to create intricate and inventive improvisations, exploring complex harmonic relationships and tonal colors. The use of harmonic substitutions, reharmonizations, and harmonic extensions in jazz improvisation reflects the influence of European harmonic traditions on the genre.

In addition to these musical elements, the European influence on jazz can also be observed in the harmonic language of jazz standards and compositions. Many jazz standards, which form the core repertoire of the genre, feature harmonic structures and progressions that bear the imprint of European harmonic traditions. Whether through the use of modal interchange, borrowed chords, or tonal ambiguity, the influence of European harmonic practices is deeply ingrained in the harmonic fabric of jazz music.

Overall, Dexter Gordon's quote highlights the profound impact of European harmonic influence on jazz. From chordal extensions and altered chords to harmonic progressions and improvisational practices, European harmonic traditions have significantly enriched the harmonic language of jazz. The ongoing dialogue between jazz and European music continues to shape the evolution of the genre, fostering a dynamic exchange of musical ideas and innovations.