6/29/2015

History And Role Of Jazz Music

By Ruthie Calderon


There are several categories of music with each having its distinctive fans. African American societies living in the US pride themselves as sole owners of jazz music genre. It is considered a traditional style bearing in mind a multicultural community making its background. The category came into existence during late 19s. It grew in many regions in the US in form of not only independent but new musical category.

It is normally difficult to describe this genre given the different variations of music it has some dating back over 100 years. Most fans attempt to define it from the standpoint of other musical traditions with examples like European music and African music, even though the description is at times wider. The descriptions differ as per various fans with others going for the broader description and others preferring the shorter form.

The genre uses improvisation, polyrhythms, swung note, and syncopation. It has elements of brass tradition, European harmony, and American popular music. Besides, it combines African musical aspects such as blue notes and ragtime. It took on different regional, local, and national musical cultures giving rise to many distinct genres as it spread all over the world.

Every genre of music has a role that it plays in the market besides the obvious one, which is entertainment. One of the roles it played was bringing people together, especially its fans regardless of their ages. It has always been a great social unifier and leveler and remains as such. It sustained and created artistic subcultures that produce new and sophisticated artistry.

It played a role in awareness of black history and culture. This memorable role cannot be assumed. Among its other roles included outlining the contributions of African Americans to society. Others link the style to oppressive and racist societies with restrictions as the order of the day. To other people it serves as a constant reminder of unsuccessful artistic career because of the situation of those days.

Supporters of the genre grew considerably with the growth of live band performances and recording firms. It is usually connected with clubs or nightlife. Performers and professionals in the field travel globally performing at all sorts of venues ranging from hotels to dance halls. Previously a strict color bar was in effect and artists were expected to adhere to this all the time. The break through came when swing jazz was introduced as it led to global integration.

Part of progress of this style saw women innovators and performers enter this professional dominated by male performers. Women were only allowed as instrumentalists back in 1920s. Female performers were unheard of back then as they were given minor roles such as pianists. Female entertainers replaced men only after they enlisted and since then remained in this field. Musical bands with female performers made their appearance during World War 1.

In conclusion, throughout its evolution the style continuously claims talented and creative singers who continuously reshape and reinvent it. It is wide spread in each continent and claims great heritage. It has had many celebrities down the line who reshaped it to its current form. The engaging rhythms, rich melodies, and harmonies are some of the elements contributing its uniqueness.




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