Jazz?
Jazz is a musical genre that rose to popularity in the 1920s. It is an African-American art form that developed through African rhythmic influence, the Blues, and European music. When one hears jazz, they are able to identify it by the use of swing, call and response, and the rhythmic patterns that the music creates. Key instruments that are used to cultivate this sound are the saxophone, trumpet, piano, and drums. As jazz has developed, it has many eras such as the Swing Era.
Count Basie- “One O’Clock Jump” (1937)
The Swing Era
During the 1930’s, Jazz took a turn as the Great Depression raged on. This era ranged from the 1930s to 1940s and represented the time when jazz reached high popularity in the U.S. The music developed during the Swing Era featured big bands that utilized danceable rhythms. Some key bandleaders of this time were Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman the “King of Swing.” In addition to these musicians, the music brought an emphasized offbeat rhythm that created a dancing mood for the audience. This era played a huge role in elevating jazz overall.
Duke Ellington.
The Impact
Jazz is a defining genre of African-American musical history. The Swing Era serves as a defining period within jazz’s history. During a time of hardship, it infused the 30’s and 40’s with liveliness through its powerful rhythm and dance-inducing tunes. This period is further defining as it made jazz an integral part of American music through its popularization. The Swing Era ultimately created a legacy for other jazz subgenres and other musical genres such as R&B or Rock and Roll.
