Love & History — Jazz

Ever wondered where the term “jazz” and its music style came from? You may be living under a rock, but jazz music has greatly influenced our American culture.

Jazz is known as “America’s classical music,” celebrated as one of North America’s oldest musical genres.

Jazz originated from African American culture in the early 20^th century. It has been part of African American traditions for more than 100 years.

“Jazz” used to be slang for Chicago music in the early 1900s, and early jazz men referred to sex as jazz. Musician and songwriter Clarence Williams said he was the first to use “jazz” in a song.

The sounds of jazz are strong rhythmic under-structures, blue notes, solos, call- and-response patterns and melody improvisations. This was an inventive, inspirational, genius style, and it still is in many ways.

Jazz music is most recognizable by its instruments: saxophone, vibraphone, trumpet, piano, guitar, double bass, bass guitar, trombone, drums and of course vocals.

Ragtime, Blues, Big Band and Bebop are all subgenres formed from jazz, and there are many more than that. Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis and Billie Holiday are just a few of the well-known jazz artists and inventors. They have inspired modern musicians and instilled a special musical love in cities like New Orleans, Chicago and New York City — the most renowned jazz cities.

Brian Sax Allen and his bandmates are greatly inspired by jazz. Brian Allen is a great saxophone player who developed multiple bands for all of the genres he plays. His exceptional jazz band is called Phantom Jazz, and they play all types of jazz from straight-ahead and swing to standards and smooth.

Jazz is perfect for every occasion, from background music to dancing music, quiet dinners and cocktails hours, to parties, festivals and club events.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz

http://www.historyjazz.com/