History And Role Of Jazz Music

By Ruthie Calderon


There are lots of genres of music with each claiming its distinct fans. African American societies in the US claim the sole responsibility as the originators of the style. It is taken to be a traditional genre considering a multicultural community that forms its background. Jazz music came into play in late 19th century. It sprung in numerous parts of the Unites States in form of not only new but independent musical technique.

Generally it is hard to define this genre, because it encompasses a wide variety of music spanning over a hundred years. Most people normally try to define it from the outlook of other musical traditions like African or European music, although the definition is broader. The definitions differ as per person, with others advocating for broader definition as others prefer the narrower version.

The genre comprises of swung note, improvisation, syncopation, and polyrhythms. It has aspects of European harmony, American popular music, and brass tradition. To add on this, it unites African musical elements like blue notes and ragtime. It took on varied regional, national, and local musical cultures resulting to lots of distinctive genres while spreading all over.

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 served a role in creating awareness about African American history and culture. This unforgettable role cannot be ignored. Amongst its other wider roles included pin pointing African Americans contributions to society. Other people tie jazz to repressive and racist communities with constraints as the order of life. To others it is a persist reminder of failed artistic career as a result of prevailing situation back then.

Fans of this genre grew with the boom of both live band appearances and recording industry. It is normally connected with nightclubs and nightlife. Experts and performers in the field widely travel performing at all types of venues from dancehalls to restaurants. Previously there was strict color bar, which performers were not expected to cross but the introduction of swing jazz resulted into global integration.

Part of development of the style saw entry of female innovators and artists in a field otherwise dominated by male singers. Back in 1920s women solely served as instrumentalists. Female artists were unpopular because they were entrusted with lesser roles like pianists. Female singers took over from men after they were enlisted for war and still appear to this day. Bands with female artists began appearing during World War One.

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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