Enclosure

Enclosure is a melodic technique where a target note is approached by playing notes both above and below it before landing on the target. Think of it like surrounding or "enclosing" a note before playing it. Jazz musicians use enclosures to create tension and add interest to their solos. For example, to enclose the note C, a player might play D, B, and then C (approaching from above and below). Bill Evans often used enclosures in his piano solos to create fluid, flowing lines, while saxophonist Charlie Parker was famous for his creative enclosures that became a defining element of bebop jazz.