Jazz Styles 101
Forgot that umbrella definition for "jazz." This melodic gumbo bridged the gap between European classical and black American music styles, branching out into a variety of styles with its own fans and detractors, to boot. Regardless of the style, harmony takes a backseat to melody and rhythm, the ingredients that flavor the sound and produce the "kick" that jazz music is known for.
Here's our quick review of Jazz Styles.
New Orleans Developed in the Big Easy at the beginning of the 20th century, this style is considered the first true type of jazz and was the first music referred to as such. During the late 1800s, brass bands would perform gospel and march songs; these ensembles paved the way for the formation of the big bands, famous for the driving beat. Though his influence touches all of jazz, Louis Armstrong is a well-known New Orleans style jazz musician.
Swing As America recovered from the pains of Depression in the 1930s, big bands helped create and spread what is now considered the most accessible jazz sound. Swing is distinguished primarily by its strong rhythm section, which usually consists of double bass and drums, more saxophones and a medium to fast tempo. Band leaders included Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Duke Ellington.
Chicago Prohibition caused many musicians to leave the South and head north. Many settled in Chicago and the city soon became the new jazz capital of the country. Prior to the migration, Chicago-area musicians played dance music that featured a saxophone playing over a four-square rhythm section. When musicians from New Orleans arrived, they brought their older style and blended it with the new. Chicago style musicians include Eddie Condon and Bud Freeman.
Bebop Prior to the early '40s, jazz was performed for dancing. With Bebop, jazz was written and performed for its own sake. The music lightened up and placed more emphasis on the soloist. Bebop's tempo is either very fast, giving the musicians the chance to highlight their improvisation skills, or very slow, allowing soloists to "show off" and play double-time. Pioneers of the Bebop style were alto saxophonist Charlie Parker and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.
Fusion Fusion developed in the late '60s and early '70s and attempted to merge rock with jazz and black American soul music. The style combines jazz improvisation and chords with rock rhythms. For the most part, the sound is electronic and features synthesizer, electric bass, electric guitar and quite a few percussion instruments. Well-known fusion musicians include Miles Davis and pianist Chick Corea.
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07-12-2005, 15:31
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