| Ragtime
- The origins of Jazz: Rhythms brought from a musical heritage
in Africa were incorporated into Cakewalks, Coon Songs and
the music of "Jig Bands" which eventually evolved
into Ragtime, c.1895 (timeline). The first Ragtime composition
was published by Ben Harney. The music, vitalized by the opposing
rhythms common to African dance, was vibrant, enthusiastic
and often extemporaneous.
Classic Jazz - At the beginning of the 1900's,
Jazz styles took the form of small band music and its origin
credited to New Orleans. This musical style is sometimes mistakenly
referred to as "Dixieland" but is less solo-oriented.
Though traditional New Orleans Jazz was performed by blacks,
whites and African-American creoles, "Dixieland"
is a term for white performer's revival of this style.
Hot Jazz - c.1925 Louis Armstrong recorded
the first of his Hot Five band records, the first time he
recorded under his own name. The records made by Louis Armstrong's
Hot Five and Hot Seven bands are considered to be absolute
Jazz classics and speak of Armstrong's creative powers. The
bands never played live, but continued recording until 1928.
Chicago Style - Chicago was the breeding ground
for many young, inventive players. Characterized by harmonic,
inovative arrangements and a high technical ability of the
players, Chicago Style Jazz significantly furthered the improvised
music of it's day. Contributions from dynamic players like
Benny Goodman, Bud Freeman and Eddie Condon along with the
creative grooves of Gene Krupa, helped to pioneer Jazz music
from it's infancy and inspire those who followed.
Swing - The 1930s belonged to Swing. During
that classic era, most of the Jazz groups were Big Bands.
Derived from New Orleans Jazz style, Swing was robust and
invigorating. Swing was also dance music, which served as
it's immediate connection to the people. Although it was a
collective sound, Swing also offered individual musicians
a chance to improvise melodic, thematic solos which could
at times be very complex.
Kansas City Style - During the Depression
and Prohibition eras, the Kansas City Jazz scene thrived as
a mecca for the modern sounds of late 1920s and 30s. Characterized
by soulful and blusey stylings of Big Band and small ensemble
Swing, arrangements often showcased highly energetic solos
played to "speakeasy" audiences. Alto sax pioneer
Charlie Parker hailed from Kansas City.
Gypsy Jazz - Originated by French guitarist
Django Reinhardt, Gypsy Jazz is an unlikely mix of 1930s American
swing, French dance hall "musette" and the folk
strains of Eastern Europe. Also known as Jazz Manouche, it
has a languid, seductive feel characterized by quirky cadences
and driving rhythms.
Bebop - Developed in the early 1940's, Bop
had established itself as vogue by 1945. It's main innovators
were alto saxophonist Charlie Parker and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.
Until then, Jazz improvisation was derived from the melodic
line. Bebop soloists engaged in chordal improvisation, often
avoiding the melody altogether after the first chorus. Usually
under seven pieces, the soloist was free to explore improvised
possibilities as long as they fit into the chord structure.
Vocalese - The art of composing a lyric and
singing it in the same manner as the recorded instrumental
solos. Coined by Jazz critic Leonard Feather, Vocalese reached
its highest point from 1957-62. Performers may solo or sing
in ensemble, supported by small group or orchestra. Bop in
nature, Vocalese rarely ventured into other Jazz styles and
never brought commercial success to it's performers until
recent years. Among those known for writing and performing
vocalese lyric are Eddie Jefferson and Jon Hendricks.
Mainstream - After the end of the Big Band
era, as these large ensembles broke into smaller groups, Swing
music continued to be played. Some of Swing's finest players
could be heard at their best in jam sessions of the 1950s
where chordal improvisation now would take significance over
melodic embellishment.
Cool - Evolving directly from Bop in the late
1940's and 1950's, Cool's smoothed out mixture of Bop and
Swing tones were again harmonic and dynamics were now softened.
The ensemble arrangement had regained importance. Nicknamed
"West Coast Jazz" because of the many innovations
coming from Los Angeles, Cool became nation wide by the end
of the 1950's, with significant contributions from East Coast
musicians and composers.
The
History Of Jazz | Guitars
- One For Each Style | The
State of Jazz | Styles
of Jazz Music - part 1 |
Styles
of Jazz Music - part 2 |
Jazz
Improvisation | London
Jazz Guide |
Top
places for Jazz in New Orleans |
Four
Jazz Artists On the Move |
