ABSTRACT
The colloquial understanding of soloing in jazz music is that the jazz solo is an expression of individuality and creativity that is channeled from one’s mind, body, or soul. Musicians think of themselves as artists who possess an innate “gift” that facilitates innovation, which sets them apart from all other people (Becker 1973 [1963]:85). Drawing on ethnographic data from jazz performances, I argue that this perspective may accurately represent the belief system of musicians, but such a perspective entails a sociologically naïve conception of innovation. Music is a social enterprise. It is only communicable when all musicians and audiences share common artistic conventions and follow ritualistic scripts that define the types of musical expression that are acceptable and objectionable.
