Jazz is a true American art form. It was created around the turn of the century in the south, around New Orleans. Lots of different sounds and different cultures impacted and influenced what we now call jazz music. Dixieland bands were influenced by the traditional work songs of the south, by the "blues" and by the available instruments of the day. Small brass bands were really popular during this time, and jazz musicians took these instruments, slotted in the sounds and the influences that they knew, and incorporated their own creativity -- poof, swish, and pow -- we have Jazz Music.
Jazz music is based off of something we educated jazzers like to call improvisation. It is the heart and soul of jazz music. Improvisation is the language of jazz, and in order to make sense of jazz (or language) we have to spend some time talking about the words and the techniques used to "speak." The Improvisation page will walk you through how to start improvising, and how to start speaking the language of jazz.
In order to really understand jazz, you have to be familiar with several of the really important artists. The page on jazz musicians talks about three important artists who helped to influence and mold modern jazz music.
This music is constantly growing and constantly changing. It's a really cool thing happening right here and right now. We are in the middle of making jazz history! So jump on the history train, and start learning about jazz music and jazz musicians. When you are done with this site, man, you'll be one hip cat! Meow!
Will tell you lots of cool information on three great artists, Ella, Louis and Duke. Who are they? Click here to find out!
Want to speak the language of jazz? Click here, and we will get you started.
Great, now you're on your way to becoming a true jazz aficionado! This is a page of really cool resources and sites that you can use to satisfy your needs for more jazz related trivia and information!