An Introduction to Jazz

Since the beginning of the 20th century, jazz music has been an influential genre and a definitive representation of American culture. It has spanned many eras and evolved throughout the years. Here is a brief overview of those eras and their progressions.
Jazz arguably originated in New Orleans, Louisiana. Essentially, jazz’s roots come from the combination of African-American spirituals/blues and European classical harmonies. This, mixed with the element of swing (notes written with equal lengths of time but played with unequal duration, i.e. “long-short, long-short”) resulted in jazz music.
In this recording from 1915, we can hear the beginning of what is about to be a big tradition. The piece is called “Jelly Roll Blues” performed and composed by one of the first prominent jazz composers, Jelly Roll Martin. Elements of ragtime, blues, and European music are found within the piece.

During the 1920s and 1930s jazz entered a new phase in which it began to connect with the younger generation of the time. Swing was in full effect, being championed by one of the greatest jazz trumpeters, Louis Armstrong. Compare this recording to the previous one and notice how the overall rhythm is different.

Other famous big band/swing artists to listen to: Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Count Basie

The 1940s saw many different genres of jazz spring up, but one of the most dominant was bebop. This style was fast-paced in nature, with melodies and improvisations that sent the performer through a whirlwind of notes. (Note: When listening to jazz, realize that the melody is played, and then after any performer can solo over the chord progression of the tune, afterwards, the tune is reprised and finished.)

Famous bebop artists: Max Roach, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell

The 1950s again experienced many different styles of jazz. Miles Davis, one of the most influential trumpeters and composers created a style known as cool jazz and modal jazzS. These tunes were slower, with long, drawn out melodies. They used elements found in modal scales (instead of diatonic) such as the flat seventh. Here is Miles Davis’ entire album Kind of Blue. It is encouraged to experience the entire album, as it is perhaps the single most important album of the jazz genre.

Other artists to explore: Bill Evans, Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck

Latin jazz became popular during the 60s and 70s, with styles such as bossa nova and afro-cuban. (These in their own respects warrant an entire article of their own.) Here is one of the most famous latin jazz tunes, Girl From Ipanema:

Notice how the rhythm is NOT swung. Other famous latin jazz artists: Astrud Gilberto, Stan Getz, Tito Puente, Antônio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto

There are many styles that aren’t discussed in this article so explore all the artists listed! Jazz has permeated itself into almost every genre of music today, and has directly effected the musical world as a whole. See what styles you like, pick a tune and start playing!