Dixieland Jazz became popular from 1917 to 1923. This term refers to collectively improvised small band music. It includes rags, blues, one steps, two steps, marches, and pop tunes. As rural music moved to the city and adopted new instruments, the typical African-American singing tradition found an expression in the style now identified as Early New Orleans Dixieland Jazz. The first Dixieland groups used a cornet, clarinet, and trombone. The rhythm section was made up of a banjo, tuba, and drums. These instruments were first used in marching bands. This beginning reflected the need to move while playing. Later, New Orleans Style Dixieland Jazz merged with Ragtime to form what is now referred to as Chicago Style Dixieland Jazz.
 

Piano Ragtime began to be published in the late 1890's. It is sometimes played fast and shallow. Ragtime was basically a piano keyboard music. It is an African-American version of the Polka. Early African-American music inspired the development of Ragtime Jazz, however, there are no recordings of this music. One early form was the cakewalk which originated in the Caribbean's and arrived in the United States as a syncopated music form based on a march, the Polka, and a two-step. From this, ragtime emerged as a unique musical form. It became a strong base for the later forms of jazz. By the early 1900's, Ragtime was no longer being performed by a solo rianist. Instead it was played by small orchestras and military bands.
 

Swing Jazz is characterized by a "big band" sound. It has up tempos, "horns a-blazin", and people "swingin til dawn". Swing jazz emerged during the early 1930's and emphasized big band sounds. It spilled over into the late 1940's and remained popular in recordings, film, and television. Most swing groups usually have ten musicians and feature at least two or three saxaphones. This type of jazz depends on how the musicians play. If the musician plays good, it will sound good. But if the musician plays bad, it will be bad. The name swing comes from what the people did when they danced to this music. They "swing" so that is why they called it swing jazz.
 

Free Jazz is named for the kind of music some early jazz musicians played. Though free jazz had been recorded before the 60's, the term "free jazz" was not common until then. Non-musicians may find free jazz indistinguishable from bebop. However, musicians make distinctions according to the methods used and the melodic vocabulary. Much of this music is extrememly active. It is packed with rapidly shifting layers of complex harmonies and rhythms. Many listeners associate the term free jazz with high energy.
 

Bebop is characterized by fast tempos, complex harmonies, intricate melodies, and a rhythm section. Bebop tunes were often full of surprising twists and turns. Bebop became the first style of jazz that was not used for dancing. It is interesting that Bebop is considered the mainstream jazz style today. Bebop is the kind of music you can boogie to. People like to listen to bebop when they want to be wild or after they have had a long day. The name Bebop came from the kind of music the people play. Somebody heard the music and they called it bebop. Then others started calling it bebop too and the name stuck. Now people all over the world know this type of jazz as Bebop.
 

Fusion Jazz is otherwise known as Rock and Roll Jazz. This was the most poular music in its day. It became known as Fusion Jazz around 1965. Rock and Roll Jazz is different from the music we know today. This type of Jazz has many different instruments. There are not people rapping like today's music. It is the kind of music you can boogie with. The music of today is much different. Many times you can't even understand what they are saying.
 

Cool Jazz is slower than other jazz styles. There are usually two or more saxaphones and a piano. This is music you can relax to. Some people have this kind of jazz played after their wedding. This type of jazz is quiet and peaceful, not noisy like some of today's music. Slow Dance Jazz is romantic. It is good for couples who want to have a quiet evening together. It is not wild like our loud music. Some people like this music better and other's don't. Some people prefer the more modern sounds of today.
 
 
 

Home