Although there is still much debate about the origins of the word ‘jazz’, it’s believed to have been used first as a slang term with non-musical meaning in the United States. Jazz music is a unique and interesting American genre that originated from descendants of African-American slaves in the late 19th century. It is generally believed that New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz music, but it’s possible to have its roots in Chicago and Kansas City as well.
The Elements of Jazz Music
Jazz music combines the likes of the chamber music of Europe, American blues that had been mostly popular in the early 20th century, African rhythms, and the more complex beats of pop music.
Improvisation is one of the most critical elements of jazz. A band leader’s time signature or even a single note being played may be enough to serve as a cue for jazz musicians to improvise their own musical introductions.
The Different Kinds of Jazz Music
Over the years, various forms or sub-genres of jazz have developed, with each having its own loyal fan base. If you are thinking of learning jazz music, you might want to narrow your interests to a certain sub-genre at the start.
Bebop Jazz
This particular jazz subgenre emerged during the years of WWII in the state of New York. Its most famous musicians include Dizzy Gillepsie and Charlie Parker. Bebop jazz is best known for its prolonged improvisations, fast tempos, and the display of instrumental virtuosity.
Hard Bop Jazz
After bebop jazz came hard bop jazz and which enjoyed great popularity from the mid-1950’s up to the mid-1960’s. This subgenre is characterized by its advanced harmonic techniques and impressive chord changes. John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery, and Miles Davis are some of the most famous performers of hard bop jazz.
Swing Jazz
Small groups and big band ensembles alike performed swing jazz from the 1920’s to the 1930’s. As its name implies, it combined the major elements of jazz and swing music. Famous artists of this subgenre include Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong.
Free Jazz
Free jazz entered the picture in the 1960’s at the wake of hard bop jazz. Its key characteristics include the use of non-musical elements and a unique free-thinking brand of improvisation. John Armstrong and Albert Ayler are some of its most popular performers.
Other types of jazz music include fusion and modern jazz, which emerged in the late 1960’s and 1970’s respectively.
Belle is a writer for HardKnockRadio.com, where you can read her latest thoughts on freestyle rap lyrics throughout the years, or go to SummerJazz.net, where she writes about her favorite female jazz singers.
