Articles of Interest

Jazz is a very popular genre of music as well as being an intrinsic part of the history of American music. Although some people believe that jazz had its origins in early twentieth century South America, there is no doubt that jazz really came into it's own in the United States and was heavily influenced by African American blues music. The Blues were popular in the first half of the 20th century in the rural south and developed in cities such as New Orleans, St. Louis and Chicago.

The United States is not the only place that the music called jazz found a popular audience. The appeal of jazz music spread throughout Europe and is now popular in many countries in South America, Asia and Australia.

What makes jazz unique? Among other things the unique features of Jazz include 'blue notes," improvisation and syncopation. Jazz relies primarily on the spontaneous expression of the musicians - usually playing in small groups - and does not necessarily use a written score. The 1930s saw a rapid rise in the popularity of jazz. Although black musicians dominated the jazz scene, the 1930s saw an increase in the number of white jazz singers and players. But during this time jazz still remained true to its roots and to the African-American blues musicians who created it.

That is why jazz music reflects not only American classical, popular and traditional music, but it also boasts of a mix of African and even European music styles reaching back hundreds of years. Because of the complex nature of jazz, and its improvisational character, the only way to properly understand jazz music is to be immersed in it, hear it played by jazz masters and actually play with other jazz performers, because jazz music is ultimately a communal experience.

Self expression through improvisation is critical component of jazz music, and it is a skill which a musician can only acquire through exposure to other jazz musicians, interacting with others in a typical jazz "combo". It is even difficult to practise jazz without knowing how the individual parts relate to the other members of the group.

For a musician learning improvisation, it is wiser to begin with simple songs. Basic techniques can be learned through listening to other musicians, experimenting, or taking some lessons. Those techniques, once mastered, can be applied in a more advanced way to more complicated songs. Remember, too, that a jazz musician is more about self-expression than technique.

Start experimenting by playing the music the way is written, but occasionally modifying certain phrasings and adding a few embellishments of your own. This is a great way to become comfortable with jazz improvisation. This process of "intentionally messing up", and learning what sounds good is not just for piano or guitar, but can be applied to any of the hundreds of instruments used in jazz.

The best way to learn about jazz and how to play it is to list to all forms of it. Start with the traditional and then add the contemporary artists. You may also want to look into schools for jazz instruction and learning. You may want to specialize in jazz improvisation, or soloing. A school might just be the thing to develop your love of jazz into a career.

Jazz music is one of the most expressive and satisfying genres of music for the musician who is looking to express him or herself creatively. While it is entertaining and appropriate for almost any occasion attended by people who actually enjoy listening to the music, it is equally challenging and rewarding for the musicians as well. That is a difficult combination to beat.