Vamp

Vamp is a term from popular and jazz music for a short, repeated section — often just a chord progression or rhythmic pattern — that provides harmonic foundation and may be repeated indefinitely. The term ‘vamp till ready’ instructs the performer to repeat the vamp until cued to move on.

Vamps are essential to song accompaniment. A pianist may vamp on a chord progression while a singer prepares; a band may vamp during a stage entrance or speech; a jazz combo may vamp while a soloist gathers ideas. The vamp is the harmonic and rhythmic backbone that holds the music together while other elements proceed.

In theatre music, vamps are used between numbers, during dialog, or during stage business. The composer indicates the start of a vamp and a point where it can be exited (‘vamp till ready’ for the entry of the next section). Performers must be flexible — vamping for an unpredictable length while waiting for the right cue.

English, possibly from a shortening of ‘vampire’ in theatrical slang, or from French avant-pied (‘front part of foot’).

Lock in the pattern and stay there. Don’t vary too much; the vamp is foundation. Watch for the cue to exit — don’t miss the transition out.