Dec 16, 2009
All About World of Jazz
Jazz music, a distinctly American invention, is different from any other types of music. Although the roots of jazz begin in United States, it is now considered to have a fine mixture of African culture enmeshed in it. The four distinct components of jazz music are rhythm, harmony, melody, and tonal qualities. Regardless of your preference for the type jazz, you’ll be able to find a club that caters to your tastes. experimental jazz is one of the more popular styles, with venues popping up all over the world, including many European cities.
One jazz style is called the Work Song. It is upbeat and rhythmically fast because it was used to make the work day go by faster. The Work Song is repeated over and over and isn’t considered a modern form. This jazz tends to be associated with African American music. It’s probably the rhythmic beat that makes it the least popular jazz style today.
New Orleans Jazz is another style that had its beginnings in the early 1890′s American history. It began marching songs and gospel songs used in brass band performances. One of the foremost leaders in this style is the famous bandleader, William Basie, otherwise known for his band, the Count Basie Orchestra. This style of jazz is still popular today.
Chicago jazz came along a bit later, in late 1917. Chicago was the center of jazz around then since musicians were leaving the south because of prohibition. They were also coming north to look for new employment opportunities and find places to play their new form of jazz. During this period the piano became an important background of the jazz experience. This new sound evolved as Chicago Style jazz.
Following World War II, jazz went through another transformation with the introduction of Bebop. Bebop, a fusion of fast tempo and changing rhythmic patterns, creates a softer and lighter sound of jazz. Bebop often highlights a solo performer instead of an entire band.
Jazz is an ever changing type of music that always retains some formation of its roots. Jazz is one style of music that has changed according to different times and the different outlook of the people listening to it. The flexibility of jazz to adapt to these different times and needs is one of the big reasons it is alive and so popular today.
