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Posts Tagged ‘Jazz Instrument’

Jazz Clubs Make the Night Come Alive

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Times may be hard and the credit crunch may be kicking in but there are still many people looking to have a great night out and enjoy themselves every once in a while. This means that venues that offer something out of the ordinary and allow people the chance to truly escape from their normal lives are extremely well regarded and what better way to unwind after a hard day or week at work by hearing the thrilling sound of live jazz instruments. Whether it is a jazz band in full flow or a solo jazz artist giving an audience great joy and pleasure, there are not many musical genres that can match the majesty of a live jazz performance.

Of course, as has already been said people have to consider ways to reduce their spending and make savings which means there is a great reason to learn how to play a jazz instrument. Not only will learning a new instrument give enjoyment and something to focus on, the opportunity to put on your very own live jazz performances at home in front of friends and family members will provide a fantastic alternative to a night out on the town. So you can have your own fun at home or who knows, you may end up playing in jazz clubs yourself one day.

Learn to play jazz music

So many different instruments and styles can be used to come together in a jazz performance that one of the hardest tasks can be to choose exactly what you are going to play. Always make sure you evaluate your options before making your mind up as there are great options available to choose between. There are so many great jazz instruments that no matter what you choose, there is likely to be a place in a jazz band waiting for you to add your personal style to the mix.

Joining a band is a fantastic way of meeting new friends and if you decide to join a band that plays jazz music, it’s likely you will have a lot in common with your fellow band mates. This means that joining a band can have a great social aspect to it which is another fantastic reason to learn a new instrument. With busy lives, some people find it difficult to make new friends so this opportunity to meet new people is a great addition to many people’s lives. Having fun can never happen too often so why not make the most of your free time and join a band?

How many jazz clubs do you go to?

It may not be the most obvious choice of evening’s entertainment for a great number of folk but being able to head out with friends and enjoy a few hours of great jazz music is a welcome treat for so many people and it is this that provides inspiration to many people. Once people hear the sound of jazz instruments live, it is as if there is a spark being set alight within them and they quickly develop a desire to make music with a jazz band.

By: James Hanna

What Are The Best Jazz Guitars?

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In finding the best jazz guitars, it is important to look at some of the historical icons in the genre. The tone of any jazz instrument is of the utmost significance. Many famous jazz guitarists have developed signature sounds that have come to be viewed as standards in jazz music.

By looking at players who made a distinct mark on jazz with their signature tones and techniques, you can discover the reasons behind their choice of guitar, and this might influence your decision.

Charlie Christian

Charlie Christian was the first musician to make a name for the electric guitar in jazz. His work was so pivotal that jazz enthusiasts often talk about jazz “before Charlie Christian” and jazz “after Charlie Christian.” He played a critical role in developing the type of jazz known as bebop. Guitar legends like B.B. King and Eric Clapton followed in his footsteps and learned their craft from the efforts of Charlie Christian.

Charlie Christian was an arch-top man. He is the reason that the Gibson ES150 is such a legendary instrument. The arch-top guitar became a standard piece of equipment in jazz music. It features a hollow, resonant body, and f-holes. They are designed to produce a clear voice with little sustain that is free of distortion or feedback. If you want to focus on maintaining a traditional jazz sound, then an arch-top guitar is definitely the way to go.

Les Paul

Les Paul was not only a jazz guitarist, but he was an innovator who actually made some of the best jazz guitars. The solid body electric guitar appeared in the jazz world, much due to the efforts of Les Paul. These instruments got rid of the two things that no jazz guitarist wants – feedback and lack of sustain. Solid body electrics play an important role in jazz, and one of the most notable instruments is the Gibson Les Paul guitar. Many more affordable imitations of this instrument are also popular choices for jazz guitarists, like ESP and Heritage guitars.

Django Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt revolutionized the world of jazz. He was an acoustic guitar man, and he played a flat-top acoustic guitar made by Selmer, which was capable of resonating above the large bands in Europe. The instrument is commonly known as a Maccaferri, which happened to be the last name of the creator. While Selmer is not necessarily a leader in the guitar world (only about 1,000 of this particular model were manufactured), other companies have created successful models that are similar to Django Reinhardt’s instrument. Typical acoustic guitars that are commonly found in jazz music include Gallato and Dell’Arte models.

The best jazz guitars are designed with the functionality of the music in mind. Jazz should not be distorted or heavy, and the guitar does not typically play a role that requires a great deal of sustain. Arch-top, solid body electric, and flat-top acoustics can all accommodate the needs of the genre, and the best instruments are the ones that have stood the test of time, yet still come out on top!

By: David Smithe