Jazz

An early style of American-born popular music that came about as a result of fusion between ragtime, blues, folk and classical in the early 20th century. Its style is very heavily rooted in West African tradition while taking some conventions from European classical music, with swung notes, blue notes, heavy syncopation and (generally) complex chord progressions (though it really depends on the style). Because it’s been around for so long now, it has evolved to such an incredible degree that the OG jazz you would listen to in 1920s Louisiana (Dixieland) is vastly different than something you would hear in, for example, the 1970s (Fusion). As a result, there are so many different sub genres to choose from if you’re getting into it, each with their own quirks. From swing to bebop and gypsy jazz to smooth jazz, there’s something for just about anyone.

Jazz is also a method of looking at music in both a compositional and performance sense. There are many tunes and genres today that make use of this, such as lo fi hip hop and funk.

“In the Mood” by Glenn Miller is a classic jazz tune. So are “Mr. P.C.” by John Coltrane and “Minor Swing” by Django Reinhardt.

by KNUP March 23, 2021

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