Jazz, a very particular musical style, known to be a mix of different musical styles, most of which are of Afro-American origin and ultimately poorly understood music. Indeed, all the ideas that one gets away from jazz depends on what it really is. Because of its complexity, we tend to reject it systematically without taking the time to appreciate this pure mishmash of unpublished melodies. This article will introduce you to jazz in its main lines and what makes it so unique and timeless.
The Origins of Jazz
Born in the course of the nineteenth century, jazz is the result of a cultural mix between African traditions and the harmonic and melodic instrumental methods of Europe. This musical mixing of the slave trade has operated in the United States and has continued to evolve over time. Today we recognize jazz a multitude of variations as complex and elaborate as each other. What are they? In the jazz clubs in new york city you will find the answers.
The Ragtime or Ancestor of Jazz
Towards the end of the nineteenth century, in the south of the United States, one hears more and more, in the cotton plantations, a certain type of song, considered as rustic. The soul of this music came from the clamor evoked by the slaves who sang it. Because of this particularity, it was given the name of “work songs”. Over the years, this style is gaining more and more popularity with underground musicians and is quickly renamed Blues. Later the Blues of the plantations will be played in saloons and brothels and will take a name more enticing the Ragtime. Its greatest representative, Scott Joplin, has made it possible for other musicians to make variations of it, including Negro Spirituals and Gospel Songs, performed in churches and other more respectable venues.
Bebop or the Art and Form of Jazz
In the forties, jazz takes a different form. This transformation takes on the appearance of a total and radical revolution, moving away from its blues origins and improvisation mixed with standards. This style will take a more elaborate form, with the appearance of complex harmonic sequences and elaborate musical compositions later on. This desire for reform will come from the increase of white listeners and the desire of black musicians to assert their visions of art and their musical identities. This transformation will take the name of Bebop.
The Present Day
At the end of the fifties, we revive the desire for free interpretation and improvisation in Jazz. Then there come innovative harmonic proposals by the simplicity of its structure. There was a minimum of chords for greater melodic freedom. In a simple way, the writing of the composition is based on an agreement by the instrument which allows an incalculable number of improvisations and variations.
Jazz, with its technical aspect to which it owes its uniqueness, comes from the development of specific rhythms, a tendency to improvisation and its instrumental and vocal sound. In the jazz clubs in New York City, you will get to know about them. In his musical treatment, he is very close to that of an orchestra. Each instrument has its place and only makes sense by doing one with the rest of the instruments. Although it is difficult to appreciate all the beauty, the Jazz is undeniably an iconic and timeless music.
