The Evolution of Jazz Music

The Evolution of jazz music

Modal Jazz 1950s-1960s

Early Jazz 1900s-1920s

Swing Era 1930s-1940s

Latin Jazz 1960s

Bebop 1940s-1950s

Free Jazz 1960s

Fusion 1960s-1970s

Cool Jazz 1950s

Contemporary Jazz 1980s-Present

Hard Bop 1950s-1960s

Early Jazz

Early jazz, also called Dixieland or New Orleans Jazz, started in New Orleans and was full of lively music and brass instruments. It was the beginning of all jazz music. Influential Musicians: - Louis Armstrong - Trumpet (photographed left)- Bix Beiderbecke - Trumpet- Jelly Roll Morton - Piano Fun Fact: - Early jazz musicians often played in parades and dance halls, spreading joy and music wherever they went. Think About It: How do you think early jazz musicians felt when they played their lively music in front of a dancing crowd?

Bebop

Bebop was fast and had a lot of complicated music that musicians made up as they played. It was a new, exciting kind of jazz. Influential Musicians: - Charlie Parker - Saxophone (photographed left)- Dizzy Gillespie - Trumpet- Bud Powell - Piano Fun Fact: - Bebop musicians liked to play at fast tempos and used a lot of notes, making the music exciting and energetic. Think About It: How do you think musicians felt when they improvised and made up new music on the spot during bebop performances?

Hard Bop

Hard bop is one of the most popular styles of jazz. It was like bebop but with more feeling and simpler tunes. It used a lot of blues and rhythm and blues music.Influential Musicians: - Art Blakey - Drums (photographed left)- Horace Silver - Piano - Cannonball Adderley - Saxophone Fun Fact: Hard bop added a soulful and earthy sound to jazz, making it great for dancing and feeling the music. Think About It: How do you think musicians added their own feelings and emotions to the music they played?

Latin Jazz

Latin jazz combines jazz with Latin American rhythms, creating a lively and energetic style of music that makes you want to dance.Influential Musicians: - Tito Puente - Drums- Dizzy Gillespie - Trumpet- Poncho Sanchez - Drums (photographed left) Fun Fact:- Latin jazz uses instruments like congas, timbales, and maracas to create its distinctive rhythm and sound. Think About It: What kinf of instruments do you think latin jazz musicians used to create their unique and lively sound?

Fusion

Fusion blended jazz with rock, funk, and electronic music, creating a new and exciting sound that appealed to a younger audience. Influential Musicians: - Larry Coryell - Guitar (photographed left)- Chick Corea - Piano- Weather Report - Band Fun Fact: - Fusion musicians experimented with new instruments and technologies, like electric guitars and synthesizers, to create a more modern and electrifying sound. Think About It: How do you think it felt to combine jazz with other styles like rock and funk to create something new?

Swing Era

The Swing Era was a fun time for jazz with big bands playing music that made people want to dance. It was a popular time for jazz on the radio and at dances. Influential Musicians: - Duke Ellington - Piano & Band Leader (photographed left)- Count Basie - Piano- Benny Goodman - Clarinet Fun Fact: - The Swing Era was also called the "Big Band Era" because bands were big, sometimes with 15 or more musicians! Think About It: If you were in a big band during the Swing Era, what instrument would you want to play and why?

Cool Jazz

Cool jazz was very relaxed with slow, soft music that was easier to listen to than bebop. It was like a smooth, cool breeze. Influential Musicians: - Miles Davis - Trumpet (photographed left)- Chet Baker - Trumpet- Dave Brubeck - Piano Fun Fact: - Cool jazz was often played in small groups, creating a more intimate and mellow sound. Think About It: If you were listening to cool jazz on a relaxing day, what would you imagine or feel?

Modal Jazz

Modal jazz focused on modes, which are like musical scales, instead of chords. This created a more open and free-flowing style of improvisation.Influential Musicians: - Miles Davis - Trumpet- John Coltrane - Saxophone- Herbie Hancock - Piano (photographed left) Fun Fact:- Modal jazz was known for its calm and peaceful sound, like taking a relaxing journey through music. Think About It: Why do you think a lot of people dislike this style of jazz music?

Free Jazz

Free jazz pushed the boundaries of traditional jazz, with musicians improvising without following a set melody or rhythm. It was all about expressing creativity and emotion. Influential Musicians: - Ornette Coleman - Saxophone (photographed left)- Cecil Taylor - Piano - Eric Dolphy - Saxophone Fun Fact: - Free jazz can sound like chaos to some people, but to others, it's like listening to a musical adventure where anything can happen. Think About It: What do you think it would feel like to play in a free jazz band where there are no rules to follow?

Contemporary Jazz

Contemporary jazz is a mix of different styles and influences, reflecting the diverse tastes and backgrounds of modern jazz musicians. It's always changing and evolving. Influential Musicians: - Pat Metheny - Guitar- Esperanza Spalding - Bass (photographed left)- Kamasi Washington - Saxophone Fun Fact: - Contemporary jazz can include elements of pop, rock, and even hip-hop, making it a dynamic and exciting genre that keeps jazz alive and thriving in the modern world. Think About It: If you could mix jazz with another style of music, what would it be and why?