All About Music

Many people think that jazz is the music of the elite and well-established people. But, if you look into the roots of jazz, you will see the opposite. Jazz is an art of expression in the form of music. Jazz music is the fundamental music in human life.

Jazz tradition evolved from the lifestyle of black community in America who has been oppressed. Initially, the tradition began from the influence of tribal drums and gospel music, blues and field hollers (the shouts of cultivators). Its birth process has demonstrated that jazz was closely related to the life defense and expression of human life.

The interesting thing from jazz music was that the origin of the word “jazz” was derived from a vulgar term used for sexual acts. Most of rhythms in jazz were ever associated with the brothels and the women with an unfortunate reputation.

Then, in the journey of jazz, it eventually became an art form of jazz music, both in the specific composition and improvisation, which reflected the spontaneous melodies. Jazz musicians usually expressed their feelings that were uneasily explained because this music should be felt within the heart.

Jazz legend began in New Orleans and grew into the Mississippi River, Memphis, St. Louis, and finally Chicago. Of course, jazz was influenced by music in New Orleans, African tribal drums and the structure of European-style music. Jazz background could not be separated from the facts in which jazz was influenced by a variety of music such as spiritual music, cakewalks, ragtime and blues.

One of jazz legends who was believed was the legend around 1891. An owner of hair shaving shop in New Orleans, named Buddy Bolden blew his cornet and the time became the beginning of jazz music as a new breakthrough in the music world. Half a century later, American jazz music gave many contributions to the world of music. Jazz was also studied at university, and eventually became a serious music and was calculated by the world of music.

Jazz as a popular art began to spread to almost all of American society in the 1920s (known as the Jazz Age). Jazz was more widespread in the swing era in the late 1930s and it peaked in the late 1950s as a modern jazz. In the early 20s and 30s, “jazz” has become a common word.

The influence and development of blues music could not be left when discussing jazz music in the early years of its development. Expressions that shined when playing the blues were in line with the style of jazz. The ability to play the blues music became the standard for all jazz musicians, especially to be used in improvisation.

Blues music itself, which was originated from the southern region, had a very broad history. Blues players usually used guitar, piano, and harmonica, or played together in a group who played his own musical instruments.

By Stewart B Johnston

Considered as part of history, the dawn of Jazz music started as early as the 1920′s. This is the same decade when the radio was born. Both have invaded our homes and captivated us with a different relaxing rhythm. Here are some factors that led to the revolutionizing music of those times.

The Dawn
As a result of the exploration of musical instruments from Europe, Afro-American musicians derived its own style of music rendition. This was way back the nineteenth century. New Orleans was believed to be the starting point of Jazz Music until it extends its impact to New York, Kansas and Chicago during these times. In the same decade, the music industry sprung paving the way to the spread of the Jazz music influence in most independent recording companies. These companies were also known as Indie records. Both Indie records and Jazz music complemented each other as they helped one another in the stairs of fame. Jazz dance progressed as a result of this partnership. Despite the ghost of racism, Jazz music and dance spread all over the United Nations. The beginning of Jazz music was treated as threat to the society. To refresh your memories, these were the times when the law prohibits women to cast their votes on national elections hence critiques from both sides came out to put down the blooming music genre.

The Performers
It has become unstoppable for Jazz music. Unnoticeably, the number of Jazz artists and fanatics has grown exponentially. Paul Whiteman, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong were few names that became famous during those times. Most artists preferred going on tandem or in band instead of solo flight. It appears that Jazz during these times must consist of combination of more than two voices and rhythm. At this early stage, Jazz instruments like trombone, clarinet and cornet were the most popular.

The Evolution
Long before Jazz was totally accepted by the society, it has evolved in numerous forms. Different states derived the main concept then created their own style. Some of these styles were big band style, Latin Jazz, Acid Jazz, and later on, even hip style of Jazz.

These were the factors that contributed to the age of Jazz. It was even considered as a music that plays from the heart going straight to the soul. Until now, Jazz continues to invade the music industry. Regardless of its form, you can still distinguish the original concept as soon as it is played. Not only that it invaded the industry of music but also, you will notice its influence on our fashion and sense of style. With its impact, it has been considered as the long time played genre of our age. Music instruments have been designed to ensure that it will follow the same style as before. People from different nations have shown its support and admiration to this holistic genre. Who will not be captivated by its rhythm? You can consider it as synonymous to relaxation and lasting harmony.

By Jim Aldridge