comping
Playing chords and rhythmic accompaniment behind a soloist or vocalist.
In Depth
Short for accompanying, comping is the art of harmonic and rhythmic support. In jazz, the pianist or guitarist comps by voicing chords in responsive, syncopated rhythms that complement the soloist without cluttering the texture. Great compers listen actively, leaving space, accenting key moments, and adjusting dynamics. Comping styles vary enormously, from Count Basie's sparse, perfectly timed stabs to McCoy Tyner's dense quartal voicings.
Count Basie was famous for comping with just one or two notes at exactly the right moment, proving that what you leave out matters as much as what you play.