Info about Jazz
The growth and popularity of Jazz Music
Jazz is a type of music that has its origins in African American communities in the early part of the 20th century. From small beginnings, it grew to become a musical sensation that has influenced large amounts of the world and continues to produce numerous talented artists and dancers who either perform the music directly, or were heavily influenced and inspired to create their own twist on the music. It was a key element of 1920s and 30s America, which is commonly referred to as the ‘Jazz Age’, due to the extreme popularity of the music.
Jazz was born as a result of the abolition of slavery, which lead to a number of different opportunities for former slaves, who were free to pursue work and leisure activities that they chose. Although many areas of employments were closed to blacks due to segregation, a large number found jobs in entertainment. The increased number of black musicians meant that there was a greater opportunity fr the development of new styles. Blues music was an early form of what was to become jazz, and contained many of the same timings and song structures which would later be used. The music found in New Orleans was a key influence on Jazz, and many Jazz performers played in the city. Musicians often played at red-light districts and other illicit venues, something which would be continued in the 1920s with the introduction of prohibition. The illegality of alcohol meant that people had to frequent illegal speakeasies to obtain alcohol, and jazz was a mainstay at these venues. It was symbolic of a rebellious and carefree attitude, and led to the decade being known as the Jazz Age.
There is no single definition of Jazz music. As with all varieties of musical styles, over the years it has evolved into a multitude of different genres and sub-genres, all of which can claim ancestry back to the original Jazz waltzes, but all of which are different, some subtly, some radically. Some find that the best way to categorize music as Jazz is if it holds true to the original concept of Jazz, which was the fusion of Black and European music created by the many different cultures in America. Although a clear definition is difficult to reach, it can be noted that there are a number of elements which are prominent in all of the different variations of these genre. One of the most well known elements of Jazz is improvisation, in which the artist may perform a riff which has very few musical elements in common with the song currently being played, and is designed to entertain and impress the audience. Jazz performers will interpret the same tune in many different ways, and it is highly unlikely that they will ever play the same song in exactly the same manner.
Variations of Jazz include Bebop, Cool jazz, Hard Bop, Latin Jazz, Soul Jazz, Jazz Fusion and Jazz Funk. Notable performers include Louis Armstrong, Miles Davies, Charles Mingus and Thelonious Monk.