Jazz Music and History

Study Notes

Jazz Music

Jazz originated in New Orleans around 1895
Jazz was developed by black musicians and was initially an outlet for self-expression
Jazz borrowed elements from European classical music, American blues, and South American music.
Jazz incorporated ragtime, marching band music, and blues
Jazz introduced numerous new dance styles including the Charleston, black bottom, tango, shimmies, and the trot.
Louis Armstrong was an instrumental figure in shaping early jazz styles.

Jazz History

1920s Jazz Age: Known as New Orleans or Dixieland jazz
- Combined elements of the blues, ragtime, and brass band marching beats
- Utilized instruments like trumpet, trombone, and clarinet
- Bands often had 16+ players
1930s Era of Swing: Bands became larger (often 16 or more players)
- Focus on smooth rhythms
- Pianists combined improvisation and composed parts within the swing style
1940s/1950s Latin Jazz, Hot and Cool Jazz:
- Latin Jazz combined African and Latin American rhythms with U.S. jazz harmonies
  - Utilized straight rhythms rather than the "swung" rhythms of earlier styles
- Bebop (or Modern Jazz) emerged with musicians experimenting with complex rhythms and harmonies
  - Charlie Parker pioneered bebop
- Cool Jazz was a gentler, more subtle style, without the intense passion of Hot Jazz
- West Coast Jazz was characterized by its impersonal and relaxed nature, influenced by Miles Davis
1960s Hard Bop, Soul Jazz, and Free Jazz:
- Hard Bop was an extension of bebop with a slower tempo and varied bass playing
- Art Blakey led the Jazz Messengers
- Soul Jazz emerged from Hard Bop and drew heavily on blues and gospel music.
  - Improvisation in soul jazz was less complex than in other jazz styles, focusing on repetitive grooves and melodies.
- Free Jazz (also known as Avant-Jazz) disregarded traditional jazz rules and constraints on harmony and structure, allowing improvisation to vary more widely
  - Cecil Taylor was a key figure in the free jazz movement
1970s Jazz Fusion:
- Result of the convergence of jazz and rock music
- Jazz solos performed over rock rhythms accompanied by electric guitar and piano
  - The Weather Report is an example of jazz fusion
1980s/1990s Acid Jazz and Jazz Rap:
- Acid Jazz incorporated aspects of jazz, soul, funk, disco, and hip-hop
  - Key acid jazz groups include Jamiroquai, The Brand New Heavies, and James.

Description

Explore the rich history of jazz music, originating in New Orleans around 1895 and evolving through various styles and influences. This quiz delves into the pivotal movements of jazz, highlighting key figures like Louis Armstrong and the distinct eras from the Jazz Age to Latin Jazz.