Jazz Festivals » History Of Jazz

Ever Wondered What Jazz is All About?

admin2 — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 02:30:34 +0000

Well, its all about incoherence and how out of that incoherence you can actually make out meaning and find coherence. This is the story of jazz and it is actually a reflection of the times that jazz had actually come into being. If you come to know of the history of jazz then it would no longer be a mystery as to why jazz is so incoherent.

Jazz, as we all well know, is a very popular form of music and even today it holds a different place in the hearts of all music lovers. However the history of jazz is not so smooth. Basically, it is a song genre which came into being when the world wars were raving destruction all around us and the entire human civilization was in chaos. So Jazz is one form of music which is truly modernist so to say. Just like it had become difficult to make a meaning out of human life in the times similarly, it is difficult to make meaning out of jazz.

The words, the music, everything about this music genre is extremely incoherent. Sometimes, when you are not so enamoured and are not in the mood for music, try and listen to jazz, it would be nothing more than a cacophony, much like what happens in a zoo. However, in a world which was at the verge of being destroyed, every country trying to develop nuclear war heads, countries devastated by two world wars, it was really something which made complete sense. The music genre was, as it were, a reflection of the times in which it was developed.

To find out whether jazz is really so disjointed and haphazard you can check by yourself listening to jazz music on the web. Jazz does not only come in the form of songs but there are highly expert instrumentals too which will help you see the coherence in the midst of all the incoherence. But, did you know that the jazz was actually a music form of the blacks, the dark skinned people, mostly the Afro Americans?

Jazz is a perfect mirror through which you can view the modernist era. One can also study the entire history of the world wars through the advent of this genre of music. You will find distinct expressions of love, of sorrow of great dilemmas and ultimately depressions which ate away at the hearts of people. It also is a music culture which reflects the after war affects, the paralyzing effects of war and the mass destruction that it had caused. The war had created a generations of men stunned by the experience of war, generations of men unable to go back to their normal lives after fighting for their countries in the war. Some survived, but most of them were crippled, inefficient for further activity and broken from the inside. Jazz presents to you the broken down of images of these men, the pathos that reigned in every household of every country which had engaged in war.

Keeping this history in mind listen to jazz from the internet and you will be able to hear distinctly how in the midst of all this suffering, all the worlds falling apart and every thing reigning is a state of confusion, jazz actually made some sense.

By: Jean-Louis Vosgien

Jazz Theory: History of Jazz Harmony

admin2 — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 09:53:04 +0000

Harmony and Jazz Theory

Music scholars view jazz as a style of Western Art Music (read classical music–classical, however, is really the style of a given a period). All jazz harmony comes from that tradition, while the rhythms come from Africa. The vast bulk of the jazz repertoire employs European harmonic progressions and forms. What is unique about jazz is the marriage of these European characteristics with African rhythm, and a unique Afro-American style of inflections, articulations and vibratos. The only pitch collection used in jazz that is unique to Western Art Music is the blues scale (on C it would be as follows: C, D#, F, F#, G, Bb, C), which is the result of African Americans fusing of slurs and sliding pitches (a characteristic also of African music) onto the tempered major/minor European tonal system.

Since jazz has traditionally been characterized by the fusion of the salient characteristics of the two cultures, and the harmony comes from Europe, it is therefore misleading to describe anything as jazz theory or jazz harmony. Even the 12 bar blues is comprised of a tonal European chord progression (I, IV, and V, however it may be dressed up with other European harmonies. Call it what you like, it’s still all European harmony.

Jazz texts merely codify what jazz composers stylistically choose to use from the entirety of the European pallet–and much has unfortunately been left out, or rather not yet assimilated, such as most of the music of the Twentieth century.

Therefore, you are better off going to the source, which is to classical harmony texts. French composer and theorist Jean-Philippe Rameau published the first definitive text on harmony in 1722. Books will only, by the way, prepare you for the real business of score analysis, which is where you will find the real pertinent information: in practice, where it is the most revealing.

As stated above, the blues scale is the only pitch collection unique to Western Art Music. While it is true, for example, that the added minor seventh to the tonic chord in a 12-bar blues constitutes a harmonic inclusion of a blue note, it nonetheless does not change the function of that chord in the progression, or change the fact that it is a European progression. While jazz is unique from European music due to its use of African rhythm, the rhythm does not alter how progressions behave.

In the Twentieth century, many European composers began to write chord successions that did not necessarily have a primary key (atonality), but this has not been incorporated into the jazz style very much as yet. Jazz musicians and their audiences are unfortunately mired in old European harmonic practices and forms. Indeed, most have not even fully digested the music of French Impressionist composers Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel.

It is helpful to understand a little music history in order to better understand the various styles that emerged. In a nutshell, it goes like this: In the West, the music was modal until the late Sixteenth century, at which time the music became tonal (based on chord progressions aimed at culminating in a cadence to the tonic chord). The tonal system prevailed until the Twentieth century, when much of the music tended towards atonalism (no primary key). In atonalism, chords are arranged in successions that have no functionality in a tonal sense, but are used for their color and interest alone. Jazz, however, is basically still rooted in the harmonic practices of the classical and romantic periods (18th and 19th century harmony).

Mark Levine’s popular book, Jazz Theory, is a good illustration of jazz pedagogists’ very limited understanding of music history. It basically runs down the Berklee College system of applying chord scales and modes to chord progressions. This makes it necessary to theorize in order to arrive at which of these (arbitrary at best) scales are to be applied. In this way, Greek modal names are applied to a tonal chord system that is in no way modal. Indeed, the European composers, whom jazz musicians emulate, did not employ modes in tonal music: they used non-harmonic tones to propel their lines forward.

This is, I hope, an interesting tidbit of history: A few years ago, while writing my doctoral dissertation, I interviewed Jerry Coker, who was one of the very first to hold a full-time positon as Jazz Professor in a college or university. He admitted to me that he used this modal system–with its Greek names–to impress the classical administrators that dominated the music department–so that they might take jazz education seriously. (They have been in the colleges for well over 100 years, while jazz education was only begrudgedly admitted fewer than 50 years ago.)

Coker explained that had he taught a more direct, common sense traditional approach to this extemporaneous art form, it would have gone right over their heads. They don’t like us. The only reason jazz exists in higher education is because of enrollment: Students demand jazz courses.

By: Ed Byrne

What Else You Should Know About Jazz Dancing

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 03:16:19 +0000

Jazz dancing style is one of the most renowned dancing styles that have emerged since end of the First World War. The credit for the popularity of jazz dance can be attributed to its display in movies and in television shows.

Jazz dancing highlights an individual’s own ability to dance freely. Its style is free of all stiffness. It is, rather, a free dancing style. Jazz dancers portray their own styles and add innovations to the techniques. These qualities of jazz dance make it very individualistic. This form of dance is characterized by its high energy levels. Its unique steps and movements, fancy foot works, big leaps, twisting and turning movements make it a pleasure to watch.

History of Jazz Dancing

After the First World War ended, the society underwent a change. The people became more liberal in their outlook. They condemned the stringency of the earlier generations. The popular notion of the age was that life is short lived and is meant to be enjoyed. This age is called the age of the ‘lost generation’. Girls came out in short skirts and their altered morals challenged the values of the previous generation.

Jazz dance originated in the nineteenth century. Jazz dancing was popular in clubs and brothels in south and mid west America. The black skinned people who were released from slavery enjoyed this dance along with European music, mixing it in afro flavor. In the olden days jazz was popularized in New Orleans, St. Louis, Memphis, Kansas City and many other places. Jazz dancing is still popular in New Orleans.

What to Wear During Practice

Casual clothes serve the purpose well. Since the body line must come out prominently, baggy clothes are not preferred. Too tight clothes prevent free movement. So they are not advisable as well.

Jazz Movements

A little bit of warm up exercises are vital. They include stretching exercises and a bit of cardio exercises. The steps consist of basic turns, leaps, ‘jazz walks’. There are several types of these movements. Another famous move is ‘contraction’. Since jazz dancing is very individualistic, students are welcome to add their own styles.

By: Ryan DRH

Secrets To Becoming A Jazz Musician

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:29:55 +0000

Jazz is a specialized form of African-American music having numerous followers around the world. This musical form was originated in the starting of the 20th century. What makes it different from other musical forms is the effective use of blue notes, syncopation, polyrhythms, swung note and improvisation. Jazz has today reached from the local coast of America to worldwide level connecting musical lovers and encouraging them to create new versions every day. Jazz is difficult to define and explain. The best way to learn about jazz is to have firm dedication towards it. Unfortunately, jazz music is tough to sell and it simple indicates that musicians don’t get what they actually deserve. But, the love of this special kind of music keeps their spirits high and keeps them going on and on.

Want to Learn Jazz music – Internet shows the way

To start with, it is important to learn the history of the music. Knowing the history of Jazz is important because it is considered as a classical form of music and many other musical forms such as rock and country are associated with its history. Having a clear understanding of the history will help in understanding its rhythms, techniques and sub-genres and a becoming musician can become a better jazz player. Secondly, it is better to find a band comprising of people who love jazz. Practice your knowledge with them and record and redo your work to gain expertise. Thirdly, you need to contact an experienced musicians having knowledge about the appropriate tools for teaching jazz music. Take some time out from your tight schedule and practice your lesions properly to perfect your timing and playing techniques. When you think you are ready for show, play your techniques at local bars, pubs or any other occasion such as weddings, birthdays and others. Try making contacts with people, musicians, music bands, music companies, other professionals and impress them with your talent.

Internet can be an excellent platform for intermediate jazz tools – helping young as well as established musicians to update on Jazz anytime and from anywhere. A website helps in rendering a professional image – easy to be permeated to others of similar interest.

Share your interest, experience and musical philosophy as well as gain from others to benefit maximum from a proper music community.

By: Akhila Choudhary

Online Collection of Flamenco Music & Smooth Jazz

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:33:18 +0000

Flamenco is a Spanish classical art which consist of three parts of music, dance, and guitar playing. The flamenco music is basically constructed with strong rhythmic undertones that are accompanied with the passionate dance with vigorous movement. It’s considered as a part of Spanish culture, but the place of origin for flamenco is Andalusia. The golden period of flamenco music is considered between the periods of (1869-1910). During the period of 1910 to 1955 flamenco singing became easier with the combination of opera flamenco. The real renaissance in flamenco was started in 1955 with the rise of Antonio Mairena as a great artist. The flamenco music has the influence of Salsa, Bossa Nova, and Jazz etc.

The flamenco music is getting popularity all over the world because of its resemblance with the Jazz music. The soothing effect of this music is recently recognized. On our online store we provide a vide range of flamenco music.

Jazz music:

The roots of jazz music lies in American musical art form that developed around the initial times of 20th century in New Orleans. It’s basically a combination of variety of musical traditions including spirituals, hymns, hillbilly music blues and ragtime etc. The instruments used in marching bands and dance band music in the beginning of 20th century became the fundamental instruments of the jazz. Perhaps Jazz and Blues are two pillars of American music. With the introduction of the new music art, the Jazz music became popular as relaxation music for the whole world.

In the later half of 1970 and beginning of 1980s the Jazz music took a new turn with its fusion with the pop music generated a new form called smooth jazz. It is perhaps the most positive step in the history of Jazz music which made it popular all over the world. This can be considered as an era that was responsible for the origin of new age music that is more commercial form of music. Many new artists step up in this age and contributed a lot to the assets of the soothing music.

There are many famous artists of this great music who are popular all over the world. The new age singers are contributing to this great music style a lot. The most popular smooth Jazz artists are Nora Jones, Lious Armstrong, Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Amadas Estrellas, Enigma, Mark Callibery etc. mostly Nora Jones is very popular Jazz artist all over the world her tracks are known for the quality music along with the good composition.

By: Shawn Kohan

A Brief History of Jazz

admin — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:11:16 +0000

Jazz became organized as a musical genre in the United States in the early 20th century, but its roots originated in the l9th century in the South. The Atlantic Slave Trade brought over half a million Africans to America and with them came musical influences from their native land. As African americans learned to play European instruments in the 19th century and developed their own styles of music, like the cakewalk. The Cakewalk is a combination of harmony and syncopation. It became very popular and caught on among white folk, and was played in minstrel shows.

Toward the end of the 19th century, a new style of music emerged called ragtime. After the abolition of slavery, opportunities to learn opened up to many African americans. However, there were not many job openings. Many talented African americans took jobs as musicians in minstral shows, in bars and clubs. Ragtime was created in the red-light districts of New Orleans and was a modifcation of the march, characterized by polyrhythms and syncopation. It was very upbeat and perfect for dancing. Ernest Hogan was a black entertainer who first recorded ragtime on sheet music in 1895. It became very popular music and was even adopted by white musicians in America and in Europe. The ragtime is considered the first type of jazz music.

The ragtime carried its popularity into the 20th century. Small jazz groups began to travel and eventually spread the music from coast to coast. Jazz even traveled across the seas. During World War I, the “Hellfighters” infantry band carried ragtime to Europe. By the 1920’s Jazz had become the dominant genre of music in America. Jazz was associated with parties, extravagent behavior and drinking. The peak of Jazz music in the first half of the century lasted from 1920 to 1933. Many believed it was the cause of moral decay in American society. This period was the dubbed “The Jazz Age.”

By the 1930’s ragtime had lost its novelty. A new grand and exaggerated form of jazz was introduced, the big band swing. Big band or swing jazz was composed of a very large section of brass and reed instruments and was headed by a bandleader or an arranger. Some of the most famous bandleaders were Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller.

In the 1940’s Swing Jazz introduced a string section and vocals to the big band. Swing jazz was broadcasted over the radio and soon travled to other countries. During World War II, for example, a collection of dissenting german youth known as the “swing kids” adopted swing jazz and swing culture. They would dance and play swing music in defiance to Hitler. He had forbidden any Swing Jazz or swing dancing because of its ties with African-Americans and Jews.

During the 1950’s a type of jazz called “cool jazz” was preferred. The 1950’s was a decade of conservatism and the jazz music of the period definitely reflected that. Cool jazz was a toned-down version of jazz, where the big band reduced in size and sound.

The 1960’s and 1970’s saw a new forms of jazz with the introduction of Latin cultural influence rock and roll and soul. In the 1960’s Afro-cuban jazz became popular, but was soon replaced by Brazilian Jazz. Latin jazz combined traditional jazz with unconventional instruments like bongos, morracas and different types of flute. Into the 1970’s soul jazz was formed from a mixture of soul, blues and gospel music. The unique thing about soul jazz was that the solo instrument was typically an organ, which was very new to jazz music. Finally the 1970’s saw a rise in rock and roll. Jimmy Hendrix was famous for infusing jazz with rock and roll and established a form of jazz- jazz infusion. In the recent history jazz has been experimented with and a plethora of subgenres have emerged like, pop fusion or “smooth jazz”, jazz rap, nu jazz and even vocal jazz.

By: L Law

Jazz Music: History of Jazz Music in Kansas City

admin — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:34:13 +0000

From its beginnings as nothing more than a simple trading post on the banks of the Missouri river, to its raucous heyday in the 1920’s and 30’s, Kansas City has retained the independent spirit of its frontier beginnings. Even though an assortment of colorful characters, cowboys, politicians, criminals, and even wagon trains populate the history of Kansas City, you can forget everything you’ve ever heard about it being a “cow town.” Today, the outgrowth of that colorful history and frontier spirit radiates energetically throughout the city
and its populace.

Widely regarded as the birthplace of Jazz. KC’s early reputation as a “wide-open, anything goes” city captivated and allured the musical performers of the day. It’s central location and ease of access via rail were the other components which induced this musical migration. Kansas City became a haven for musicians and fans alike.

The musicians, who interpreted their experiences in KC’s permissive environment through their music, were also creating the elastic techniques and musical license, which remain at the heart of Jazz today. The hub of this development was the
18th and Vine district. Many legendary musicians, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Turner and Charlie Parker to name a few, made their way to Kansas City. Their connection to one another and to the Kansas City “scene” brought about a unique musical expansion which enriched the city’s history and initiated the genesis of Jazz.

Kansas City’s affiliation with Jazz is celebrated daily at the American Jazz Museum
in the 18th and Vine District and nightly at clubs and restaurants throughout the city.
Live Jazz and Blues are still an important part of the Kansas City entertainment and nightlife scene.

Kansas City’s early sports history, specifically its affiliation with Negro League Baseball, is showcased in detail at the Negro League Baseball Museum.

Also located at the 18th and Vine District, the museum documents the history of Negro League Baseball from its beginnings in the mid 1800’s, to its demise in the 1960’s. If you are interested in this facet of the histoy of baseball, a visit to this museum is highly recommended.

By: Joseph Patrick

Short History of Jazz

admin — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Jazz is sometimes referred to as “America’s classical music”. It has become a diverse genre with its roots in native American and African music; in particular, the blues, spirituals and rag time. Jazz first became a defined music form in the early 1920 springing from the US cities of New Orleans and later Chicago. Early Jazz was characterized by traditional rhythms and melodies being taken and improvised upon, giving a combination of swing and syncopation. Early Jazz performers of note included Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Domino, Bix Beiderbecke and Louis Armstrong. A good taste of this period can be gained by listening to recordings of Louis Armstrong’s Hot Fives and Hot Seven ensembles.

By the 1930 Jazz had spread out of its local bases in South American and became more mainstream attracting white musicians as well. One development of Jazz was the big bands such as Ben Goodman and Glen Miller. Glen Millers big band became very successful and popular, but offering little scope for improvisation jazz aficionados saw it as more of swing rather than real jazz. However other big bands such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie provided some of the all time great Jazz recordings.

Whilst the Big Band led jazz in a more conventional direction. The late 1930s and 1940s also saw jazz develop in another direction through the creation of the new “Be Bop” craze. Be Bop is epitomized by the great musicians such as Charlie “Bird” Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Sonny Rollins. These musicians took Jazz to new heights of improvisation, loosening the adherence to harmony’s and rigid chord structures.

Unlike previous forms of jazz, Be bop was not designed for dancing but was seen more like an opportunity to showcase the musical expertise of the performers. Some of the great be bop recordings came about as the performers played off each other, each striving for greater excellence and improvisation. One of the greatest recordings of this period was “Jazz at Masey Hall” 1953 featuring Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker amongst others, it is a very good example of live jazz music. In the 1960s Be bop evolved into a form of “free jazz” with little if any adherence to conventional harmonies and chord structures. One of the best selling jazz recordings which characterized this new form was “A Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis.

Alas many of the great jazz performers led tragic lives, a seemingly very high percentage died prematurely, inevitably from drug and alcohol misuse. Unfortunately many young performers came to associate drugs with being a successful jazz performer so jazz developed a strong reputation for association with narcotics.

To play Jazz music successfully a classical background is definitely an advantage. To be a successful jazz player you need to be able to learn the chords and scales of the song. With this basic structure you can then improvise around these chords to give the improvised or jazz effect. However to be a great jazz musician a lot more is needed than formal training, successful improvisation is a difficult skill that appears to come easily to a rare few.

By: Richard Pettinger

WNUA 95.5 FM Chicago’s choice for Jazz

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:10:18 +0000

When it comes to Jazz music, the city of Chicago has a lot to be proud of. Much of the history of Jazz music is rooted here in the windy city. When it comes to Jazz music stations, Chicago listeners will have high expectations. WNUA works to meet those expectations and offer much more. 95.5 FM plays all of the Jazz greats as well as the up and coming Jazz artists of today. They play a great mix of Jazz classics as well as the softer sounds of today’s light Jazz. Whatever your tastes in Jazz music may be, you find something pleasing to your ear on 95.5 WNUA FM.

Chicago morning commutes can be some of the worst in the country. For those of you that are early risers there is the Ramsey Lewis morning show. From 6 am to 10 am you’ll have an all jazz experience guaranteed to start your day of right. For those of you who are late to bed, there is lights out Chicago with Annie Ash. After a long day at work or wherever, this is the perfect way to unwind and relax before it starts all over again.

For the very best in Jazz music news you should definitely stay tuned. If there is a major Jazz concert happening or a music event at the many fine jazz clubs in the area, you will hear about it first in 95.5 WNUA FM.

For the very best variety, choice and jazz music for the area keep your dial firmly at 95.5 FM. WNUA plays the best in Jazz of all the Chicago radio stations. Get your day off to a great start and keep the momentum flowing with the help of 95.5 FM. With all it has to offer it is no wonder, Chicago’s choice is WNUA 95.5 FM.

By: Danae Martin

History of Jazz Piano

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:27:53 +0000

Jazz piano has been a part of jazz since its beginnings. Piano is one of the rare instruments in a jazz combo which can play chords, unlike saxophone or trumpet which can only play single notes. The early jazz piano was mainly stride. Stride is also known as New York ragtime is a pioneering jazz piano style. It was developed in Harlem during the World war one. As you can see from the name (New York ragtime) it was influenced by ragtime but it featured improvisations, blue notes and swing rhythms which were new in this type of music.

The great performers of that time were Earl Hines, James P. Johnson, Jelly Roll Morton, Willie “The Lion” Smith , Art Tatum, Thomas “Fats” Waller, Mary Lou Williams, Teddy Wilson and many others who often attended cutting contests (battles between stride piano players in the early 1920s) where they showed of their skills.

It continued to develop specially during the 50s and 60s with pianists like Red Garland and McCoy Tyner. In that time one of the most widely spread types of jazz called Free Jazz was becoming more and more popular. Some great works of art still reminds us of that time which surely was a gold age of jazz existence. The beginnings of free jazz can be set with recordings of Ornette Coleman for Contemporary and with the Jazz Advance and Looking Ahead, two great albums by Cecil Taylor.

Today jazz piano is still popular among many pianists just to mention few Michael Weiss, Bill Charlap, Geoffrey Keezer, Brad Mehldau, Mulgrew Miller, Danilo Perez and many others.

By: Luka Ce