Music Blog :: Rap & Hip-Hop » Jazz

The History Of Jazz

Franchis — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:58:24 +0000

American classical music, also known as jazz is a diverse genre of music that stems from native American and African music. Most jazz is inspired by blues music. Jazz first became popular in the early 1920’s in clubs in cities like New Orleans and Chicago. In the 1930’s Jazz was so popular that there were even white jazz singers. Big bands came into play such as Ben Goodman and Glen Miller, although some viewed them as swing more than jazz.

Jazz led into more conventional methods that made it like today’s pop groups. Only then it was called Be Bop. The jazz music was becoming more loose and more harmonized.

Be bop was not what you would call dancing music, but it was more to actually see the performers. This made each performer strive a little harder to be the best, because without the dancing it really was about the talent.

Of course jazz music was often sad and was about heartache and troubles of life. Most of the music was based off of the performers lives. A lot of performer’s died from drug and alcohol abuse. Jazz is based off of a classical background and to play it well you have to learn the chords and scales of the songs. It also takes improvisation and an imagination. It can be quite difficult, but for some jazz is just in the blood.

Online collection of flamenco music & smooth jazz

OBrien — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:29:08 +0000

Flamenco is a Spanish classical art which consist of three parts of music, dance, and guitar playing. The flamenco music is basically constructed with strong rhythmic undertones that are accompanied with the passionate dance with vigorous movement. It’s considered as a part of Spanish culture, but the place of origin for flamenco is Andalusia. The golden period of flamenco music is considered between the periods of (1869-1910). During the period of 1910 to 1955 flamenco singing became easier with the combination of opera flamenco. The real renaissance in flamenco was started in 1955 with the rise of Antonio Mairena as a great artist. The flamenco music has the influence of Salsa, Bossa Nova, and Jazz etc.

The flamenco music is getting popularity all over the world because of its resemblance with the Jazz music. The soothing effect of this music is recently recognized. On our online store we provide a vide range of flamenco music

Learning How To Play Jazz Guitar

Gino — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 04:07:19 +0000

Jazz guitar is an extremely popular guitar style and learning this style of music can pose quite a challenge. There’s no doubt that it can be very time-consuming with many hours of practice to put in if you are to master this rather difficult style. Determination is a deciding factor in those who eventually ‘get there’ and can call themselves ‘jazz guitarists’!

There are many unusual harmonies and chords associated with this style and, at first, this might seem unusual to your ear. However, practice is the key and over time, your ear will adapt and get used to these slightly more ‘exotic’ sounds. You will also need to be very familiar with your guitar and listen to as much jazz guitar music as possible. Get used to the different beats and rhythms, surround yourself with the style. Don’t forget to explore different eras as well. Modern pop often incorporates jazz guitar styles, but also listen to the ‘hot’ jazz of such luminaries as Django Reinhardt. Remember, Reinhardt had fingers missing and he was still a gifted guitarist. There’s hope for you yet!

Use a metronome. This is an invaluable tool that will help to keep you in time. Many musicians have a tendency to speed up as they play, especially if they are solo. This is a natural phenomenon, but one that need to be curbed. Many jazz styles need to be ‘laid back’ with a lazy style of playing that isn’t rushed. Keeping a steady metronome pulse will also allow you to feel the subtleties of ‘syncopation’ (the notes falling ‘between’ the beats). Electronic or wind-up, it doesn’t matter, but get a metronome at once!

Open up your mind to the new sounds, harmonies and rhythms that you will experience over the coming months and years. Invest in some good jazz guitar CDs (do a quick search on Google or visit Amazon), find a reputable local guitarist/teacher who can demonstrate this style of playing. Make sure that whoever you decide on to teach you has good references (ask around, listen to him/her play, what qualifications have they got, etc).

Finally, don’t be afraid to have fun and experiment with jazz guitar. More than perhaps any other style, it is free and diverse with a variety of ‘sub-styles’ or ‘sub-genres’ to explore.

At the end of the day, just get out there and ‘play guitar’, don’t hang back.

I wish you well with your musical exploration!