The All Music Guide to Jazz

The All Music Guide to Jazz provides an overview of the history and evolution of jazz music, as well as profiles of the genre’s most influential artists.

Jazz History

Jazz is a musical art form that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, United States. It developed from roots in blues and ragtime, and features improvised solos supported by a group of musicians playing some combination of trumpet, saxophone, trombone, piano, double bass, and drums. Its earliest style was known as Dixieland, which emphasized improvisation and collective instrumental playing. New Orleans jazz soon spread to Chicago and other northern cities in the Great Northern migration of the early 1900s. In the 1920s and 1930s, big bands developed mainstream popularity with swing jazz. Bebop emerged in the mid-1940s, created by Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and others toughing out long jam sessions on 52nd Street in New York City. Cool jazz downplayed improvisation in favor of composition during the late 1940s and early 1950s.

The All Music Guide to Jazz

The All Music Guide to Jazz is the most comprehensive and authoritative guide to the world of jazz ever published. Featuring more than 3,700 artist biographies and discographies, as well as provocative essays on major figures and styles, this is the essential reference work for every jazz fan.

Jazz Styles

Jazz styles can be confusing to people who are new to the music. The term “jazz” itself can be used to describe a wide range of music styles, from early ragtime and Dixieland to the more modern styles of bebop and fusion. In this section, we’ve provided a brief overview of some of the most common jazz styles, along with some recommended recordings for each.

Dixieland: Also known as “traditional jazz,” this is the style of jazz that was popular in the early part of the 20th century. It is characterized by a lively rhythm section, improvised solos, and a focus on collective improvisation. Recommended recordings:
-Louis Armstrong: Hot Five and Hot Seven Recordings
-Bix Beiderbecke: Bix Beiderbecke Volume 1

Swing: Swing is a style of jazz that developed in the 1930s and ’40s. It is characterized by a strong rhythmic pulse,HP Pavilion DV7-4273US Battery complex chord progressions, and often featuring a vocalist. Recommended recordings:
-Count Basie: The Complete Decca Recordings
-Duke Ellington: The Duke Ellington Centennial Edition

BeBop: Bebop is a style of jazz that developed in the 1940s. It is characterized by fast tempos, intricate melodies, and advanced harmonies. Recommended recordings:
-Charlie Parker: The Complete Savoy Sessions
-Dizzy Gillespie: The Complete RCA Victor Recordings

Jazz Artists

Jazz artists come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Literally. Since its inception in the late 19th century, jazz has been one of the most popular and influential genres of music in the world. It has also been one of the most malleable and ever-changing, adapting and assimilating elements from other musics as it has evolved. As a result, there are literally thousands of different jazz artists, each with their own unique sound and style.

In general, though, there are four basic types of jazz artists: bandleaders, sidemen, vocalists, and instrumentalists.

Bandleaders are the leaders of jazz bands or ensembles. They are responsible for hiring musicians, choosing repertoire (the music that will be performed), and leading rehearsals and performances. Some bandleaders also compose original material for their bands to perform. Notable bandleaders include Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and Ornette Coleman.

Sidemen (or sidemen) are jazz musicians who play in the rhythm section of a band or ensemble (usually on piano, bass, or drums). Sidemen provide the underlying pulse and rhythm of the music and often do not solo or take lead roles in performances. Rather, they support the soloist(s) and provide a foundation for the band to “swing” (play in a rhythmic groove). Notable sidemen include Red Garland, Paul Chambers, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Arthur Rubinstein

Jazz Albums

The All Music Guide to Jazz is an essential guide for any jazz fan. This comprehensive guide includes reviews of hundreds of jazz albums, from classic recordings to contemporary releases. Whether you’re a fan of Miles Davis or John Coltrane, you’ll find something to suit your taste in this essential guide.

Jazz Songs

Jazz songs are musical compositions that are created specifically for the genre of jazz. While there is no formal definition of what qualifies as a jazz song, they are generally characterized by swing-based rhythms, complex harmonies, and improvisation.

Jazz songs emerged in the early 20th century as a style of music that was associated with the African American community. The genre was developed by musicians who were influenced by both the blues and European classical music traditions. Jazz songs often incorporate elements of other genres such as blues, gospel, and even pop music.

Jazz Videos

The All Music Guide to Jazz includes a wide variety of jazz videos, from classic footage of legendary performers to more recent concerts and interviews with today’s stars. You’ll find something to suit every taste, whether you’re a diehard fan or just discovering the joys of this rich and diverse musical genre.

Jazz Festivals

Jazz festivals are one of the best ways to experience live jazz. From big events like the Newport Jazz Festival to smaller festivals like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, there’s a jazz festival for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best jazz festivals around the world.

The Newport Jazz Festival is one of the most iconic jazz festivals in the world. It was founded in 1954 by George Wein, and it takes place every year in Newport, Rhode Island. The festival features many different genres of music, but jazz is always at the forefront. past performers have included Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is another world-renowned event. Founded in 1970, it takes place every year on the last weekend of April in New Orleans, Louisiana. The festival celebrates all aspects of New Orleans culture, but jazz is always at the heart of it. past performers have included Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Wynton Marsalis, and Dr. John.

The Montreux Jazz Festival is a more intimate affair than some of the other festivals on this list. It takes place every year in Montreux, Switzerland, and it features a wide range of music styles, including jazz, blues, soul, funk, and hip-hop. past performers have included Miles Davis, Nirvana, Prince, and Maceo Parker.

The Detroit Jazz Festival is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the world. It takes place every year over Labor Day weekend in Detroit Michigan. The festival attracts over 500,000 people each year, and it features both local and international talent. past performers have included Dizzy Gillespie Sonny Rollins , Béla Fleck , and Chick Corea .

Jazz Clubs

In general, jazz clubs are small, intimate places where you can go to hear live music and perhaps rub elbows with some of the performers. Theyrange in size from the legendary Birdland in New York City, which can hold up to 500 people, to tiny clubs that might have room for only 30 or 40 people.

Most clubs have a cover charge (the fee you pay just to get in), and many also have a minimum purchase (usually one drink per person). Some clubs allow customers to listen without buying anything, but most require at least drinks to be purchased. It’s important to call ahead or check the club’s website to find out their policies.

Once you’re inside, you’ll usually find a small stage where the musicians perform. The tables and chairs are usually arranged around the stage, so everyone has a good view of the musicians. Some clubs also have dance floors, so you can enjoy the music even more!

Jazz Education

Jazz education is the process by which people learn about and develop their understanding and appreciation of jazz. It can take place in formal educational settings, such as schools and universities, or informally, through books, films, television programs, and concerts.

Jazz educators typically use a combination of methods to impart their knowledge, including lectures, discussions, and hands-on experiences such as playing or listening to music. In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on using technology in jazz education, with a number of online resources and learning tools now available.

Jazz education is not only for those who want to become professional musicians; it is also for anyone who wants to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of this important musical genre.