Jazz has come a long way since it started. In its early days, it featured brass band marches complete with ragtime, blues, biguine, and French quadrilles. Anyone who was starting in New Orleans knew how to incorporate these elements in the creation of their unique sounds. Then came the Swing Era in the 1930s, when the focus was on catchy and danceable rhythms. Most of these hits had bands and orchestras leading the way. With the dancing catching on so fast, the Bebop phase came next in the 1940s – the goal was to produce hits with more complex rhythms and faster beats, creating the kinds of party hits that people could sway to for hours.
Then came Cool Jazz, then Free Jazz, and the evolution has continued to date such that this unique genre continues to wow its audience with its twists and turns. But that’s why we love jazz – you never know what to expect at each corner, and it is that element of innovation and surprise that makes us fall deeper in love with this genre.
It is along these lines that we have created a website where we share everything you ever need to know about jazz, from its origins to styles to the best musicians to albums to concerts to news. We even share tips on how you, too, can become a jazz musician. So, let’s get into some of the tidbits you can expect from our team.
Why Jazz Will Never Go Out of Style
Remember disco with its flashy fits and unique dancing styles? How about grunge and its raw sounds? Maybe you can think back to a time when glam metal was all that, and people were all about big hair and showy clothes. These are all examples of music genres that were popular in the 20th century but have now been phased out as people have moved on to other things. Yet, somehow, jazz weathered these popularity contests and continues to grow, spreading internationally and amassing an even bigger audience. Why is this?
- It is emotional. There’s something undeniable about the emotional effects of jazz compositions. As you listen to the rhythmic variation, you can feel what the composer is trying to convey, be it hope, sadness, or longing – there is always something that connects you to the message in the song. And how can anyone not fall in love with a genre that speaks so powerfully about things they go through in life?
- It is creative. One of the key reasons this genre continues to pull fans by the throngs is the fact that compositions differ. What one artist does with a melody will be worlds apart from what another does with the same tune. Jazz encourages musicians to be creative and spontaneous, paving the way for improvisations with chord progressions and more. What’s more, musicians like Brad Mehldau do not shy away from integrating other genres into their songs, which makes their compositions stand out even more.
- It is rhythmically complex. Before musicians can share their music with the world, they work on their harmonies and chord progressions for days, weeks, and months. Only after they have found the right syncopation and rhythmic patterns can they call it a day, lending their personality to the music and the movements.
- It is a cultural movement. While jazz started in African American communities, it has grown to unite the world. Now, you can find jazz musicians anywhere, making it the global language that creates dialogues that pave the way for a sense of community. Besides, performers do their best to engage their audiences, creating a space where people can share their experiences.
Most of all, this is a timeless genre. It is like the little black dress version of music, as it features elements that will continue to inspire musicians not just in this generation but many others to come. And with people bringing in their fresh takes, we can all agree that this genre is here to stay.
What We Have in Store for You
As stated many times on this page, jazz is not going anywhere. So, we can sit back, relax, and enjoy all that it has to offer. That’s why we have created a space where you can get in on all things jazz, as follows:
Get to Meet the Top Talent in the Industry
You may know of Buddy Bolden, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, and many other greats in the industry. But do you know about the top musicians in the 21st century and what makes them unique? Our guides walk you through the musicians who are making waves in the industry. We take you through their early lives, the instruments they have mastered, how their music differs from what others have played, and where they shine the most. So, even before a musician starts headlining the top concerts in the world, you will know about them and can pinpoint how they made their way to the top!
Listen to the Top Albums
Jazz music is refreshing, that’s for sure. But even in a sea of gold, there are some albums that stand out from the rest. It could be their unique take on societal issues, the incorporation of various musical instruments, or the interplay of different genres – musicians have tons of ways to make their music personal and appealing. While you can listen to almost every album that comes on the market, we make your work easy by sorting albums according to their performance. We will let you in on the ones that are likely to get nominations, those that have won accolades, and the ones that critics cannot get over.
Get Information on Jazz Concerts
Have you ever been to a jazz concert? It is an experience that you cannot forget. On one side, you get to see your favorite musicians performing their top hits. On the other side, you get to engage in tons of activities, from sampling local foods to meeting other jazz enthusiasts to exploring new regions. There is always a lot to do. And the good thing is that jazz events happen all over the world. So, whether you are in the US, basking in the sun in Mexico, or exploring the beautiful forests in Indonesia, there is a concert near you – and we will point you right at it.
Keep Up with the Latest News
Jazz is ever-evolving. One minute, people are swaying to soft beats; the other, someone comes up with a pop fusion that steals the show. Since musicians are free to do as they please (while keeping the traditions alive), keeping up with the ins and outs of the industry can be challenging. But that’s why we are here. We live and breathe jazz – so we spend our time with our ears on the ground, ready to let you in on whatever’s changing the scene at each stage. You’ll not need to wonder why people are raving about a new collaboration or why a musician might be snagging a Grammy next year – we will have the details on our site!
Conclusion
As jazz connoisseurs, we are always ready to jump at the chance to add value to this incredible industry, whether this means covering the latest festivals, showcasing the best compositions, reviewing the top albums, or guiding you on how you can also become a jazz musician. Become part of our community, and let’s keep the jazz flowing!