April 30 is International Jazz Day. This trend traditionally causes a lot of controversy and speculation, although every year jazz gets closer and closer to the category of classics of musical art.
Jazz was born in the early XX century and had time to become known as “music not for everyone” – a kind of special goods, understandable and accessible only to the elite. You can’t stomp your foot to it or sing along to it for no reason. At the same time jazz is very successful commercially, that is why the names of the classics of the genre – Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, and others are well known among the mass audience, while many important figures remain in the shadow.
So what is jazz?
If we move away from boring definitions, jazz is the riot of life – it is bold, daring, and unpredictable music. It is rightly considered an improvisational genre – the pieces have a special rhythmic energy, which, at first, seems like an impossible task to keep track of. However, this is the pleasure of listening to jazz – to watch the flow of improvisation, not just shake your head to the beat of the strong parts.
It is generally believed that jazz emerged in the streets of New Orleans, the American state that was the cradle of traditional music of the genre. By the way, there is a great variety of jazz styles: traditional New Orleans jazz, bebop, swing, hardbop, jazz fusion, soul jazz, jazz funk, postbop, acid jazz, smooth jazz, and others.
Traditional jazz
Traditional jazz emerged from the music of street bands, which were extremely popular in the early 20th century. The most important event of the era was the emergence of jazz bands – small orchestras of 9-15 people. Their success also motivated white Americans, who formed into the so-called Dixielands.
One of the brightest representatives of traditional jazz was the already mentioned Louis Armstrong. The traditional jazz band is characterized by the steady position of the banjo, the leading position of the trumpet, and the participation of the clarinet. Over time, the latter two will surrender their positions to the saxophone, which will become the main one.
Swing
By the beginning of 30-ies swing appears and captures everyone and everything – 30-40-ies represent the era of big bands (big orchestras). Swing is characterized by a clearer division into sections. For example, the brass bands – trumpets, trombones, and saxophones – often played tutti (all together), highlighting the characteristic rhythmic pattern. And the rhythm section emphasized the second and fourth beats, creating a special sense of time. Some of the most popular bands of the time were orchestras led by Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and Duke Ellington.
Bebop
A subgenre of jazz, bebop, developed in the mid-1940s. It revolutionized jazz from “music for dancing” to “music for musicians.” Fast tempos and complicated improvisations are the motto of bebop. Saxophonist Charlie Parker, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, pianists Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, drummer Max Roach are considered founders.
Hardbop
Hardbop differs from the usual bop by its expressive rhythmic and reliance on the blues. This trend can be attributed to modern jazz. Famous representatives of hard bop are Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Art Blakey and Charles Mingus.
Soul Jazz
Soul jazz is a more lyrical style. Not for nothing it is called soul jazz – you really want to call the music soul. This style emerged in the late 1950s and kept its popularity for a couple of decades. It was characterized by its reliance on the traditions of blues and African-American folklore. One of the most significant figures of soul jazz is Aretha Franklin.
These are just a few of the brightest trends in jazz music – it would take more than one evening to break it all down. However, this information will help you navigate the basics of the genre, which is a lot. Trust us – you can stretch higher and higher in jazz endlessly, getting to know new styles and performers.