Toward a formal study of jazz chord sequences generated by Steedman’s grammar

This paper shows how to generate jazz chord sequences incrementally using Steedman’s grammar by taking advantage of some formal properties. We point out the specific role played by particular chord sequences called “cadential sequences”. By precompiling them, one could improve the implementation of Steedman’s grammar in a real-time improvisation system, and make it more reactive to the inputs of the user.