Where the term "vamp" comes from is a good question. In this present setting our definition of vamp will be a sort of common practice definition. As a noun, a vamp is simply a complete musical phrase that is repeated, becoming a verb when playing it. A most common use of the vamp is behind a soloist as they begin to climax their ride. This is a common feature in big band jazz and really can create some intense musical moments. Equally effective in small group ensembles, it is a cool way to spice up an arrangement and help give a group their character artistic signature. In jazz and blues music it is very common. Example 1, tritone vamp in C blues. I love this lick, kinda jungle.
Oftentimes in the heat of the moment, the vamp needs to go a bit deeper into the jungle. Example 2.
This next motif is simply extracted from example 2 above. The power of the minor third, can you feel it? Example 3.
Explore Blue Trane composed by John Coltrane.
Up tempo, swinging straight ahead, hard drivin rockabilly blues. Whatever. Whompin on the tonic, there's no place like home. Example 3 in Bb, give this line to the brass players in your band to play as a vamp behind your soloing.
Check out The House Is Rockin on Stevie Ray Vaughan's release "In Step." Very happening, hard driving straight ahead blues. The big band sounds of the 1930's and 40's are a cool source of vamp lines, check it out.
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"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good."
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)
