For most of the 1940s, big bands were the most popular form of American music. Most were composed of 12 to 22 musicians. Most had an acknowledged leader, and solo musicians that led the different…
The origins of blues and jazz go back to the 19th century, when these musical genres were meant to help people find catharsis in rough times. Blues music typically centers on strong, emotive vocal…
Black musicians have helped shape the history of American music in all genres, including jazz, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. The American music scene had not only great black musicians but well…
Jazz originated around the turn of the 20th century in New Orleans. It was rooted within the African-American community and founded in musical traditions from Africa and the West Indies, but rapidly…
Dinner theaters offer both appetizing meals and shows such as dramatic plays, classical concerts and elaborate skits. These theaters serve cuisine ranging from fine international dining to…
Jazz music is a distinctly American music form. The genre was born when African music and rhythms, brought to America by enslaved Africans, mixed with European marching band music. Work songs, negro…
Improvising jazz music is a challenging task, especially for the beginner. Improvisation is something that professional musicians work on for a lifetime. Improvisation is the very soul of jazz, which…
If you intend to play or compose jazz professionally or work even with amateur jazz groups, then a knowledge of jazz techniques is a must. Jazz techniques include everything from knowing chord…
Jazz artists and big bands dominated1940s music. The jazz music of the '40s eventually gave way in popularity to rock 'n' roll, but its influence is everlasting. Along with instrumental jazz,…
Rhythm and blues--famously known as R&B--is the term used for a wide range of musical styles black Americans created in the 1940s. Some of the styles under the R&B umbrella include gospel, soul, funk…
Jazz music is an American musical art form based in the technique of improvisation. Jazz became the music of the people in the 1920s, and is founded in the roots of Louisiana blues music.
African jazz music usually refers to the jazz scene and style found in South Africa, with roots in the early half of the 20th century and heavily influenced by different American jazz styles and mixed…
Jazz music has been around for many years. The evolution of this genre of music is symbolic of the history associated with it. Variance in instruments, style and influence plays a major role in the…
It has been said of jazz that if you don't know what it is, no one can explain it to you. Well, that may be the opinion of hardcore jazz afficionados, but it's not entirely true. While it's true that…
The enterprising port city of New Orleans developed under Catholic French and Spanish colonialists and did not culturally identify itself as part of the Protestant agrarian South. Napoleon sold it to…
Many people, musicians and music fans alike, search for places on the Internet that provide free jazz while still being legal. Several websites fit the bill and do not require downloads.
Steely Dan was one of the most successful music acts of the 1970s. Spearheaded by keyboardist/vocalist Donald Fagen and guitarist Walter Becker, the duo assembled many of the best studio musicians to…
Born in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada in 1975, Michael Buble developed his love of music from his grandfather, who introduced him to the tunes of the Swing era. Buble is now one of the most…
This article is a discussion of the common characteristics of jazz and how defining these common characteristics have become increasingly more difficult as the genre evolves.
Jazz music is the sophisticated cousin to the blues. Jazz encompasses many elements of the blues while adding more complex chord structures and time signatures to the mix, making it a more difficult…
Jazz musicians have long been regarded as cool. The golden days of jazz may be over, but jazz lives on in the hearts of many people. Jazz singers are often sexy with smooth voices and a talent for…