What musical technique involves a dialogue-like exchange and is a signature of call-and-response traditions?

The technique that embodies a dialogue-like exchange is known as call-and-response. This tradition is characterized by a statement made by one musician or vocalist, followed by a direct response from another performer or group. It creates an interactive and communal atmosphere, which is integral to many musical styles across different cultures, especially in African, African-American, and various folk music traditions.

Call-and-response not only fosters a sense of participation among musicians and audiences but also enhances the expressiveness of the performance. It's foundational in genres like gospel, blues, and jazz, essentially acting as a musical conversation that engages listeners.

While solo performance refers to music created by one person, overdubbing involves layering multiple recordings; neither captures the essence of a back-and-forth interaction. Improv, on the other hand, emphasizes spontaneity and individual creativity, which can diverge from the structured exchange that defines call-and-response. Such nuances help clarify why call-and-response is a distinctive technique within musical dialogue traditions.