Jazz

 Hey everyone, today I am going to introduce you a genre of music that I really like. As everyone knows, there are many types of music, but I do not think any of them can achieve jazz.

The Origins of Jazz

Jazz is the result of a blend of several styles present in the early 20th century in the United States : Blues, black spirituals and ragtime. In fact, Jazz was born during the black slave trade. These slaves took their musical tradition with them. They sang work songs or Blues, in the cotton plantation. There were also negro spiritual and gospel songs, which are performed at the church. 

The blending of these different styles of music with the military marching music during parade gave rise to a new musical genre called Jazz. 

Three Jazz Legends

Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) : musician

- Louis Armstrong was often considered one of the greatest jazz trumpeters and singers of all time. He began playing in local New Orleans orchestras. His career really took off when he joined King Oliver's orchestra in 1922. Over the years, Armstrong embarked on a solo career and recorded some of his most iconic works. His trumpet playing and vocal talent won over audiences.

Duke Ellington (1899-1974) : pianist and composer

- He was a prolific and innovative composer. He introduced new concepts to jazz, such as the use of unique instrumental timbres, advanced harmonies and complex compositional structures. During his career, Duke Ellington won numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards. 

Charlie Parker (1920-1955) : saxophonist

- Charlie Parker began playing the saxophone at an early age, first the clarinet, then the alto saxophone. His informal musical apprenticeship in Kansas City clubs helped develop his unique style. In the 1940s, he and Dizzy Gillespie revolutionized the jazz word with their innovative playing and contribution to the bebop movement.

Type Of Jazz

Over time, many artists have fuses different influences to create unique works. There are many distinct sub-genres and styles. Here are some of the main types of jazz : 

 1 . Dixieland Jazz

Also known as traditional jazz, Dixieland Jazz emerged in New Orleans in the late 19th century. It focuses on collective improvisation, using instruments such as the trumpet, trombone, and clarinet. 

 2 . Swing 

Appeared in the 1930s ans 1940s. Swing was a popular dance style associated with energetic, rhythmic jazz. The great swing orchestras, led by conductors such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington, were characteristic of the era.

3 . Bebop 

Emerging in the 1940s, bebop was a reaction against the more accessible swing style. It emphasized instrumental virtuosity, complex improvisation and fast tempos. Artists such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk were key figures in bebop. 

4 . Hard Bop 

Hard bop, which emerged in the 1950s ans 1960s, combined elements of bebop with influences from blues, gospel and rhythm and blues. Art Blakey, Horace Silver and Cannonball Adderley were major exponents of hard bop. 

5 . Smooth Jazz

Smooth jazz emerged in the 1980s and is often characterized by soft melodies, simple harmonies and light arrangements. It has a more commercial appeal and has been influenced by pop and contemporary music.