What is straight ahead?

Straight ahead is a term used in jazz music to describe a style of playing where the beat is played in a steady, straightforward manner, without any embellishment or deviation from the basic rhythm. It is also sometimes referred to as "four on the floor" because the bass drum is played on every beat (one, two, three, four) in a consistent and driving fashion.

Straight ahead jazz is characterized by its swing feel, which is achieved by playing eighth notes with a triplet feel. The style emerged in the 1940s and 1950s and was popularized by musicians such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk. Straight ahead jazz often features improvisation by the soloist over the chord changes of a given song, and typically adheres to a traditional song form such as AABA or blues.

Today, straight ahead jazz remains popular among musicians and listeners alike, and continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary trends while still maintaining its essential swing feel and respect for the jazz tradition.