The Birth of Jazz Music
The Origin of Jazz
The beginnings of Jazz music originated in the late19th century and early 20th century with New Orleans musicians. With the fusion of ragtime, marching band instruments, West African, Caribbean, and blues music. Jazz music started to expand past Congo Square, New Orleans. At its origin, Jazz music was mostly used for dancing. The evolution of Jazz with artists like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Charlie Parker, different styles of jazz like traditional, swing, bebop, and cool jazz were created. (What is Jazz? (n.d.). National Museum of American History. https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/projects/smithsonian-jazz/education/what-jazz, accessed 3 November 2024).
Different Types of Jazz
Swing Jazz (1914-1926): Considered an old form of Jazz. Swing jazz created a new and energetic style where a group would perform 10-16 pieces. Swing jazz became one of the most popular dance music.
Bebop Jazz (1940s): Bebop jazz was heavily influenced by swing jazz. This style came with prominent musicians like Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. This type of jazz created room for creativity and the ability to cater to the needs of the musician. Bebop music had heavy use of instruments and fast-paced music that was hard for the public to understand which led to its rejection.
Cool Jazz (1940s-1950s): Cool jazz served as an alternative style of Bebop. However, unlike Bebop, cool jazz had a mellow vibe. Cool jazz has a harmonious tone with a slow tempo. Artists in Cool jazz music include Gerry Mulligan, Stan Get, and Paul Desmond.
Modal Jazz (Mid 1950s): Modal jazz incorporates heavy mode modulation and few chord changes. Its bass has a melodic piece with complex use of instruments and chord progression which was not seen before in the jazz scene. Modal Jazz’s pioneers include John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and Charles Mingus.
Free Jazz (1960s): A modern jazz musical founded in New York. This jazz style broke away from conventional standards as it provided a wave of freshness. It broke away from conventional structure as there were no chord changes, tempo, or tone changes. This style uses improvisation and heavy modulation.
Smooth Jazz (1980s-1990s): Smooth jazz can be seen as a fusion of Jazz, Pop, and lo-fi R&B. Smooth jazz requires instruments like drums, electric bass, saxophones, and synthesizers. It follows melodic rhythm and groove. Artists who contributed to this style include George Benson, Kenny G, and Grover Washington Jr.
(Client, V., & Client, V. (2023, July 26). What are the Different Types of Jazz Music? Types & Style. Music and Arts Education | Anselmo Academy of Music and the Arts | United States –. https://www.anselmoacademy.org/different-types-of-jazz-music/, accessed 3 November 2024).
Collections of Jazz Music
The Future of Jazz Music
Modern Jazz artists are redefining the genre by blending traditional jazz elements with other musical influences like R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music. Modern artists who are changing the jazz scene is Masego, Steam Down, Nubya Garcia, CHERISE, Samara Joy, Esperanza Spalding, and many more. Modern Jazz creates room for freer improvisation and harmonic and rhythmic complexity.
