Blog 7: GenJam

http://igm.rit.edu/~jabics/GenJam.html

GenJam is a revolutionary concept. It is "an interactive genetic algorithm that learns to improvise jazz." It is programed to make up musical notes that play along with other instruments. Its jazz influenced style has about 300 tunes that it can play. It listens to what music is playing and can figure out what notes would sound good with the original piece. It can generate full chorus solos while someone is playing the melody. With the GenJam you can collectively improvise by soloing both at the same time. The GenJam even has events and gigs that it can show off its incredible skills.

The creator designed the GenJam so that it knows which notes sound better together. The only problem with this idea is that how can a computer know if something sounds better? The answer is that the programmer needs to tell the computer what better means or else the machine will not know what to do. The creator gives GenJam a set of rules and functions.

This idea of a interactive musical improvisation done by a machine is incredible. Some of the recordings sounds a little bland, but for the most part it sounds good. I could not believe that a computer could create something so creative just as a human. So does that mean a computer can be creative? I do not think so because the creativity actually comes from the programmer who designed the function and algorithm of the GenJam.