What is Jazz?
Understanding Jazz
Music is the food of the soul they say and no doubt; it is an art to reckon with. There are different music genres, ranging from rock to Hip Hop to country music to rhythm and blues to jazz, among others. Jazz is a special kind of music characterised by improvisation and syncopation. Jazz music is often in the form of a call and response and largely spontaneous because it is formulated on the spot. Also, it fuses the elements of a ‘swing’, ‘bent’ and ‘blues’ with its perfect rhythmic nature.
Although all types of music are inspired by a thing, feeling or occurrence, Jazz music is more personalised and concerned with feelings. This is probably why Hawk Davies said: “when it comes to Jazz, it’s either you have a feeling, or you don’t”. Vera Nazarian commented that “if music was a place, Jazz would be a city”. Hence, Jazz music holds a big place in the art of music.
Jazz can be traced to the late 19th and 20th century, although there has been controversy about its origins. While a section agrees that it comes from Africa, the other group disagrees vehemently holding the opinion that it is associated with black Americans. The winning section claims that it belongs to African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. Hence there is a consensus that Jazz music is a mixture of African and American traditions.
The etymology of the word “Jazz” is also roped in confusion. While some claimed it originated from the word ‘Jass’ which is a slang that refers to sexual intercourse and the enjoyment it offers, some believe it is derived from the word “Jazzbo” used to refer to someone who is sharply dressed. Others hold different opinions and hence the etymology of the “Jazz” has no conclusion.
Jazz music is often a satirical piece and sometimes didactic. It often treats salient issues such as freedom. It also expresses feelings, for instance, sorrow or love or pain. Because Jazz music is a fusion of so many elements, it is dynamic and can be divided further into subgenres. Several of them are limited to three broad areas- Jazz-related, Traditional Jazz and Modern Jazz.
Traditional Jazz
This is the old jazz music from the 19th century that originated from New Orleans. It is different from the present-day Jazz (modern) in that the traditional Jazz has a slower sound and often musical. With the old Jazz, everything seems less complicated and always put one in a dancing mood.
Modern Jazz
The modern jazz music is faster and started back in the 1940s where Bebop became popular. The modern Jazz is an evolution of the old art with great improvisation and new styles.
Jazz Related
Apart from the strict division of Jazz music into traditional and modern Jazz music, there are other forms of Jazz which are:
Blues
This is a rhythmic style in Jazz, and although it is majorly lyrical, it is also instrumental.
Swing
The swing was the trend in the 1920s and 30s. It is known for lifting the spirits of people and putting them in a jubilation mood.
Bebop
Bebop supported solos than band collaborations. It is a special kind of modern Jazz and appears complex.