What does “outhead” refer to in a jazz performance?

The term "outhead" in a jazz performance specifically refers to the recapitulation of the head melody at the end of a song. In jazz structure, the "head" is the main theme or melody that is played at the beginning of a piece. After a series of improvisations and variations, returning to the head, or "outhead," helps to provide a sense of closure to the performance. This practice reinforces the listeners' recognition of the melody, grounding them after the exploration of different improvisational ideas throughout the piece.

Understanding this term also requires insight into the overall structure of jazz compositions, where themes are often developed and revisited to create a cohesive performance. In contrast to the initial improvisation or the mid-section of a piece, the outhead holds a unique position by summing up the musical dialogue that has occurred, further emphasizing its significance in jazz performance.