Commemoration




Intro - What is Jazz?

Is it the smooth vocals of Ella Fitzgerald? Is it the powerful horn blowing of Miles Davis or Louis Armstrong?  Jazz is all these things and more.  It is an artform that is  uniquely American in origin, created over a 100 years ago in New Orleans primarily by African-American pioneers.  

Jazz is a combination of the rhythm and multiculturism of the city.  The genre  was  highly influenced by the musical styles of  African-Americans, including spirituals, blues,  gospel and later ragtime.  

Chorus & Verses - Why Jazz is Still Relevant?

Some may assume that Jazz is an extinct genre - Wrong!  Jazz  is still relevant and is constantly evolving.  Jazz expresses musical creative freedom.  Freedom is always relevant.  Jazz and its musicians offers expression without any musical boundaries.  

Jazz is the grandparent of today’s popular and innovative musical genres of hip-hop and rap. Like these genres, the various genres of jazz pushed and changed the music during each decade. And, like other forms of music, especially rap, there were and continue to be critics of change and innovation associated with new forms of jazz. Jazz has evolved from its ragtime roots, swing bands, to bebop and Latin jazz, funk and fusion. 

The evolution of jazz has greatly influenced several hip-hop artists. For one, artists such as Tribe Called Quest, Tupac, and NWA has paid tribute to their musical origins by incorporating jazz into their music. Secondly, jazz has greatly influenced hip hop music due to the variety of freestyles used, which can be seen as similar to scat and improvision. In addition, hip hop also includes complicated harmonies. Conscious rap involves social and political changes such as Common and John Legend’s song “Glory” .

Last Riffs

Jazz is still thriving, and in fact, it is constantly evolving. Consequently, it is still very relevant in today’s musical world.  Jazz should be appreciated, celebrated, and continue its legacy for future generations to come. 

Jazz will never die.


See link about Buddy Bolden - Early Jazz Founder

See Wynton Marsalis- Famed Jazz & Classical trumpeter performing Buddy Bolden's Blues

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