A jazz phrase is a combination of musical notes and rhythms that are used to create a unique sound. The two most common jazz phrases are riffs and licks. A riff is a short, repeated musical phrase that is usually played over the top of a chord progression. A LICK is a more complex phrase that is usually improvised and can be used to create a solo or to add texture to a song. Both riffs and licks are essential components of jazz music and are used to create a unique sound.