Origins of Jazz

Elements unique to jazz “style” Rhythm “swing” feel Pitch Blue notes; bent pitches Sound traditional instruments played in

unusual ways (effects) Improvisation spontaneous composition

within a predetermined structure

Early Jazz History

Can be traced to New Orleans in the 1890s City was culturally diverse, & represents the

cultural influences: Western Europe (France) Spain Africa Latin America (Caribbean) African-American descendants of slaves

Jazz is an American Art Form

At its origin, America was a segregated society

Jazz grew out of the African-American side of American culture

An African-American has been responsible for the initiation of every new jazz style

Jazz is a model for “multiculturalism” Western Africa contributed the emphasis

on rhythm & the percussion instruments to provide a rhythmic foundation

Slaves had usually been kept on Caribbean islands before being shipped to the U.S.

French & Spanish possessions (Caribbean islands) exerted a cultural influence Spanish tango can be heard in early jazz

multiculturalism

Religion played a role from the beginning Spirituals Musical “hybrid” basis for much early Dixieland

marching music Slave work produced work songs & field

hollers “conversational” music still prominent in much jazz

Influence of European music Forms, harmonies, & instruments

Ragtime (1890-1920)

A style of solo piano jazz Have the feel of a march and the melody is

highly syncopated Scott Joplin

Leading performer and writer of rags Was a son of slaves, but received a formal

musical education

Blues

A sound/style and a form based on a simple chord progression

Has been used in all jazz periods and styles A favorite form of vocalists Has been used extensively by

instrumentalists, as well

Dixieland (1900-1930)

First true jazz style Flourished in the New Orleans Storyville

district until 1917 Moved to other cities Kansas City, NY,

Chicago Chicago is the site of considerable progress

because of Louis Armstrong

Developments of Chicago Dixieland: Addition of a tenor sax to the front line Replacement of banjo by piano Replacement of tuba by string bass Importance of individual “solo” improvisations

Swing (1930-1945)

Big Band Era Bands had 15-20 players Music was arranged & the role of the soloist

diminished Pieces were limited to 3 minutes because of

recording limitations Fletcher Henderson

1st “big band” in NY First time whites had taken an interest in jazz

Duke Ellington Brilliant composer, piano player, & band leader Wrote for the strengths of individuals in his band

Bebop (1940-1950)

Reaction to the swing era Decline in ballroom dancing after World War

II, caused a decline in the big bands Jazz became “art music” rather than

commercial popular music Emphasized small groups & individual

creativity Use of “sophisticated” harmonies Irregular phrases

New songs based on the chords of the standards

Introduction of Latin rhythms Drummers & bass players were featured as

soloists Music is intense and technical Players

Charlie “Bird” Parker Dizzy Gillespie

Cool (1949-55)

Reaction to the intensity of bop Retained the sophisticated & intellectual

developments of bop in a restrained, “chamber orchestra” style

Understated music Addition of new instruments

Flute Cello French Horn

Adopted “classical” forms

Not restricted to harmony & form restrictions of “songs”

Musicians withdrew from the audience Miles Davis

Leading figure in this style Possibly the most important personality in the

history of jazz Responsible for 2 styles (cool & fusion)

Free Jazz (1960-?)

Grew out of the radical 60s An attempt to abandon the rigid forms &

harmonic structures of traditional jazz Featured free, collective improvisation Added non-western elements, extended

playing techniques, & opened solo possibilities for drummers & bass players

Fusion (1970-?)

Combined elements of rock with jazz Grew to combine elements of 20th century

“classical” music with jazz Players

Miles Davis Herbie Hancock Chick Corea

1990s

Simultaneous revival & development of most jazz styles from the past

Wynton Marsalis Leads a school of players & writers with strong

ties to the culture & history of jazz Formally trained Attempts to innovate by building on traditions Won the Pulitzer Prize in composition

First time a jazz composition has won that award