Final answer:
To "ride" in swing bands during the Jazz Age meant that musicians had to have the ability to perform improvisational solos over the rhythmic beats or maintain a consistent rhythm during complex arrangements. It symbolized their mastery in staying in sync with the dynamic nature of Jazz music.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "ride" in the context of swing bands and jazz musicians from the Jazz Age refers to the ability of musicians to play improvisational solos over the rhythm section's repetitive pattern of beats, or to maintain a consistent rhythm alongside complex musical arrangements. To "ride" in this sense means to keep up with the band and the flow of the music, much like riding a wave without falling off.
Jazz musicians of this era, including those in legendary bands such as the King and Carter Jazzing Orchestra depicted in Figure 1, were celebrated for their skill in "riding" the music. This talent was crucial during live performances where improvisation was a key element of Jazz, and the musicians needed to seamlessly integrate their solos into the overall performance.
Thus, the expression to "ride" symbolizes a musician's mastery in staying in sync with the swinging, dynamic nature of Jazz music, which integrated influences from blues, ragtime, and other musical traditions to create a new, electrifying sound that defined the Jazz Age.