The Birth Of Bebop Jazz
Bebop entered the jazz scene in the 1940’s. The style of jazz shocked jazz culture as it was much more upbeat and no longer danceable as prior jazz forms were such as swing. Bebop was a music style that was meant for listening on a more higher level than other forms. This new style of jazz shifted jazz from the etertainment realm it once remained into a more intellectual art form. Bebop also shifted the makeup of bands. In the Bebop music style, many bands began to shrink into quartets and quintets. With the shortened group style, this allowed for more improvisation and individuality that shaped this style of music. The pioneers of this era were Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and Bud Powell.
Ever Changing Music Style
Bebop eventually transitioned into the music style of cool jazz that happened towards the late 40’s and late 50’s. The sound of this style was much more laid back and a smother sound that focused more so on the individual improvisation of the members of the band. Trumpet player, Miles Davis, was the most influential Cool Jazz musician that inspired many West Coast musicians to adopt to this new. jazz genre.
The Introduction of Yardbird
Charlie Parker was born Charles Parker Jr. He was nicknamed the Bird or Yardbird in his career. He was an alto saxophonist, composer, lyricist, and bandleader. Parker became known as one of the biggest artist in Bebop genre. He is also known as one of the three great revolutionary geniuses in jazz. Parker started playing the saxophone at the age of thirteen and at the young age of fourteen he dropped out of school and began performing with bands. Parker’s creation of the Bebop style caused a lot of controversy that attracted a vast audience. Later in his life, he would go on to create a quintet that featured Miles Davis and famous drummer Max Roach. Charlie Parker became known for the establishment of eighth notes and the accents in infused into his music style.
The Man That Changed It All Thelonious Monk
Thelonious Monk was an American pianist and composer who was the first of the prominent creators of modern jazz music. Just as Parker played an influential role in the creation of Bebop as did Thelonious Monk. Monk generally performed and recorded in generally small groups. Many of Monks songs were generally written in twelve bar blues form that met the jazz standards. His dynamic playing style became known as the “High Priest” of Bebop.
The Legacy of Bebop
Bebop had a lasting legacy that continued throughout years to come. It allowed for a breakaway from the strict structure that once dominated the jazz realm. With this new style, artist were able to freely express themselves. Although this music style began to fade, many of the elements from this style continued to transition into other music styles.
