The Spirit of Jazz – Keith Jarrett

Origins
The origin of Jazz Music dates back to the 20th century with Jim Crow laws and the segregation of blacks. Born in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, Jazz is a means of celebration in Black culture. The culmination of ragtime, blues, marches, etc. have long signified the diverse patterns of traditional jazz. Jazz fusion is a jazz style that incorporated rhythms, harmonies and melodic motives from popular forms of music Is mostly known for its creativity of jazz improvisation.
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Elements
Jazz is characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and usually a regular or forceful rhythm. Call and Response can be performed via instrument, voice, or in the instance that part of the band answers the other. improvisation is when the artist has free musical expression which is vital to the language of jazz.
Commodity and Social Implications
Jazz has its connections to the Harlem Renaissance. Jazz was a time of enlightening and shining a light on Black intellect and talent. Through jazz artist could challenge the blues of civil unrest and racial injustices. White men would sell sheet music (jazz) to profit of Black artist, because they did not write down their music notes.
Influences
In today’s music, patterns of jazz can be reflected in genres such as Rhythm and Blues, Rock, and Hip Hop. Jazz has also influenced Black people as a whole, as it uplifted and gave pride to Blacks.
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Important Performers
Jarrett started his career with Art Blakey, moving on to play with Charles Lloyd and Miles Davis. Since the early 1970s he has enjoyed a great deal of success as a group leader and a solo performer in jazz, jazz fusion, and classical music.
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Keith Jarrett

Keith Jarrett is an American jazz pianist and composer. Jarrett started his career with Art Blakey, moving on to play with Charles Lloyd and Miles Davis. Since the early 1970s he has enjoyed and worked in many genres of jazz including jazz fusion and traditional jazz. He has helped pioneer and grow Jazz throw decades. The argument can be made that Jarrett was in the genre of jazz fusion because of he took traditional jazz and added a “modern” twist which was new to the 60’s era. 

Conclusion

Keith Jarrett has had trumendous career and still today continues to shine his light on Jazz music. Jazz has a heavy influence on Black culture and on the Black community as a whole. The traces of Jazz featured in today’s music still reflect elements of traditional Jazz. The sound and overall feeling I get, while listening to Jazz, will forever futher connect me with my culture. It is a national treasure that will forever be cherished. 

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