Jazz: A Sound of Freedom
Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, United States, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime. Jazz is seen by many as "America’s classical music". Since the 1920s Jazz Age, jazz has become recognized as a major form of musical expression. It then emerged in the form of independent traditional and popular musical styles, all linked by the common bonds of African-American and European-American musical parentage with a performance orientation. Jazz is seen by many as "America’s classical music".
Jazz is characterized by swing and blue notes, call and response vocals, polyrhythms and improvisation. Jazz has roots in West African cultural and musical expression, and in African-American music traditions including blues and ragtime, as well as European military band music. Jazz is seen by many as "America’s classical music".
The Pioneers Who Shaped Jazz
The pioneers of jazz were a diverse group of musicians who came from all walks of life. They were united by their love of music and their desire to create something new and exciting. Some of the most famous pioneers of jazz include:
- Louis Armstrong was an American trumpeter, vocalist, and composer who is considered one of the most influential figures in jazz history. He is known for his pioneering use of scat singing and his powerful trumpet playing.
- Bessie Smith was an American blues singer who is often referred to as the "Empress of the Blues". She was one of the most popular and influential blues singers of her time, and her music helped to bridge the gap between blues and jazz.
- Duke Ellington was an American pianist, composer, and bandleader who is considered one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. He is known for his sophisticated arrangements and his innovative compositions.
- Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer who is considered one of the greatest vocalists of all time. She had a wide vocal range and a flawless technique, and she was known for her interpretations of jazz standards.
- Charlie Parker was an American alto saxophonist who is considered one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time. He is known for his virtuosic playing and his revolutionary approach to improvisation.
These are just a few of the many pioneers who helped to shape the history of jazz. Their music continues to inspire and entertain people all over the world.
Jazz evolved from the fringes of American society into one of the most influential and enduring musical movements of the 20th century How did it get from what it was to what it is nowJazz started as a uniquely American sound forged in the melting pot of cultures in the south particularly in New Orleans The port city was a blend of Creole culture and African traditions peppered with European influences These cultural influences and musical traditions informed the new style of music originally known as jassListen 5339 This documentary series profiles the legends and legacy of jazz Hosted by singer Nancy Wilson the program brings to life the vibrant history of the genre through music AbstractThe rise of modern jazzor bebop as it was calleddramatically changed the landscape of the music in
the 1940s transforming the genre into a truly pr Skip to Main Content Advertisement Search Menu Menu Navbar Search FilterquotThe quest to make jazz more relevant to popular audiences while retaining its artistic integrity is a constant and prevalent theme in the history of postwar jazzquot During its swing period jazz had been an uncomplicated musical scene according to Paul Trynka this changed in the postwar years Suddenly jazz was no longer straightforwardThe official history of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians AACM which began in Hyde Park near the University of Chicago The freedom principle jazz after 1958 John Litweiler 1984 Intro to modal and free jazz mentions Chicagoans Sun Ra and members of the AACMThis chapter traces the rise of Louis Armstrong to
stardom during the 1920s and the emergence of jazz as the defining music of the decadea period now often called the Jazz Age Armstrongs historic recordings the Hot Fives and Hot Sevens are assessed as well as his work with influential pianist Earl HinesThe Prehistory of Jazz The Africanization of American Music An elderly black man sits astride a large cylindrical drum Using his fingers and the edge of his hand he jabs repeatedly at the drum headwhich is around a foot in diameter and probably made from an animal skinevoking a throbbing pulsation with rapid sharp strokes
Jazz is a vibrant and ever-changing art form that has influenced music around the world. It is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the human spirit.
