Yes, improvisation is indeed central to both the concept of the refrain in Deleuze and Guattari’s philosophy and to jazz. However, the relationship is nuanced: improvisation is not just an isolated act of creativity but operates in tension with structure, whether that be the “territory” of a refrain or the musical framework in jazz.
Improvisation in the Refrain (D&G)
In Deleuze and Guattari’s framework, the refrain is a dynamic process involving:
1. Territorialization: Establishing order or structure, akin to creating a “home” in the chaos.
2. Deterritorialization: Breaking free from the established structure to explore new possibilities.
3. Reterritorialization: Returning to a modified or reimagined structure, transformed by the act of exploration.
Improvisation fits within this cycle, particularly in the move from deterritorialization (breaking away) to reterritorialization (returning with something new). The refrain becomes a springboard for creative departures and transformative returns.
Improvisation in Jazz
Jazz relies on a similar dynamic interplay:
1. Structure (the “territory”): Jazz compositions typically have a framework—chord progressions, rhythms, or a recurring melodic theme (the “head”).
2. Improvisation (deterritorialization): Musicians depart from the framework, exploring spontaneous melodies, rhythms, and harmonic possibilities.
3. Return (reterritorialization): The ensemble or soloist often returns to the original theme or structure, altered by the journey of improvisation.
The Key Role of Improvisation
Improvisation is key because it:
1. Creates Movement and Transformation:
• In both the refrain and jazz, improvisation is the engine of creativity. It breaks away from static repetition, allowing something new to emerge.
• Example: In Deleuze and Guattari’s terms, improvisation deterritorializes a fixed refrain, pushing boundaries and introducing fluidity.
2. Balances Order and Chaos:
• Jazz and the refrain both rely on a balance between structure (territory) and freedom (improvisation). Without structure, improvisation would lack coherence; without improvisation, structure would be stagnant.
• Example: In jazz, the chord changes of a standard tune like Autumn Leaves provide a foundation, but the solos inject vitality and unpredictability.
3. Connects the Individual and the Collective:
• Improvisation is not purely individual—it often arises in dialogue with others. In jazz ensembles, each musician’s improvisation interacts with and responds to the group’s collective rhythm and harmony.
• In the refrain, improvisation connects the personal (an individual’s creative act) with the collective (a shared cultural or territorial structure).
4. Encourages Experimentation and Resistance:
• In jazz, improvisation often pushes against traditional forms, challenging conventions and exploring uncharted musical territories.
• In the refrain, improvisation challenges fixed territories, opening possibilities for resistance, transformation, or redefinition.
Improvisation as a Process
Whether in the refrain or jazz, improvisation isn’t just about “breaking free”; it’s a process of:
• Recognizing and engaging with existing structures.
• Departing from them to explore creative potential.
• Returning with something new, enriched by the journey.
Why Improvisation Is the Key
Improvisation embodies the creative tension between the known and the unknown, stability and transformation. It’s the act of navigating and reshaping territories—whether in thought (the refrain) or sound (jazz)—making it the driving force behind both concepts.
