Jazz Slang Dictionary Serie

A to B

18 Karat --- All the way, full out.The Duke is a classy guy, his heart is "18 karat."
Air-check --- A recording of a radio or television performance.Did you hear the "air-check" of Billie Holiday with Gerry Mulligan?
The Apple --- New York city. This is now common usage.We got a gig up in "The Apple" at Minton's with Diz and Bird.
Axe --- An instrument.Hey, Jack, bring your "axe" over tomorrow and we'll jam.
Baby --- A term of endearment.Hey, "baby," I got some bread, lets paint the town.
Bad --- Good.Thar dude Wynton Marsalis does some "bad" ass playin'.
Bag --- A person's particular interest.I'd like to play with your combo, dude, but your sound just ain't my "bag.".
Balloon lungs --- A brass man with plenty of wind.That cat must have "balloon lungs," Stix said he held that note for three and half minutes!"
Barn Burner --- Originally in Sinatra slang this was a stylish, classy woman, but today, it can even be applied to a good football game.Hey, Quincy, did you see Stella over at the diner? Man, she is one amazing "barn burner."
Barrelhouse --- Barrelhouse was the colloquial term for a cabaret in New Orleans where liquor was served. Barrelhouse music is the type of music played in one of these cabarets.Hey, Man, I dig this "barrelhouse" music. It flows free.
Beat --- Exhausted or tired.Man, we been blowin' all night. I'm really "beat."
Birdbrain --- A Charlie Parker imitator.It's 1957 already. We need something new. I'm gettin' tired of all of the "Birdbrains" around these days..
Blow --- A jazzman's term for playing any instrument.That European guy, Django Reinhardt, can really "blow."
Blow your top --- A phrase which expresses enthusiasm or exasperation.Hey man, I know it's tough, but don't "blow your top."
The Bomb --- Very cool.The Crusader's new CD, "Louisiana Hot Sauce" is "the bomb."
Boogie Man --- In the jazz slanguage of 1935, this was a critic.Roscoe just waxed a great disc and the "boogie man" gave it a bad review.
Boogie Woogie --- An early piano blues form that was popularized in Chicago. The term has sexual overtones.Hey, Lester, dig that "boogie woogie" that Yancy is layin' down.
Bose Bouncing --- To play notes so low as to bounce a Bose speaker from its foundation.I'm sorry, my bass player was just "Bose bouncing.
Bread --- A jazzman's word for money.Alright, Jack, if ya want me to play, ya gotta come up with some "bread."
Break it down --- Get hot!! Go to town.
Bring Down or Bringdown --- As a verb - to depress. As a noun - one who depresses.Hey, man, don't "bring me down" with all of this crazy talk.Hey, let's get out of here, that guy is a real "bringdown."
Bug --- To annoy or bewilder.Man, don't "bug" me with that jive about cleanin' up my act.
Burnin --- Used to describe a particularly emotional or technically excellent solo.Hey, man, did you hear that solo by Lee? It was "burnin."
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