Jazz and blues
History of Jazz and Blues
Jazz and blues is a genre of music whose origin can be traced back to the African-American communities that lived in the New Oregon, United States in the late 19th century and the early times of 20th century. History of jazz is connected closely with various hybrid genres of music and tracking the genealogies can be a very complex task because the number of music genres that pre-dates it are quite a number. This genre first appeared in the black cultures and from songs that had syncopated rhythm (ragtime), blues and band music that was played at funerals in New Orleans. Writers who offer illustration essay help at Edudorm essay writing service notes that the meaning of the word jazz comes from Creole term whose meaning is African dance or copulation. Jazz and blues then rapidly spread and became popular more so due to its connection with night life and dancing. Its developers were innovative musicians like Buddy Bolden during 1877-1931 period and it had reached the east, west and north, to Chicago areas by 1919 (Ted,329). Jazz first become popular in large cities night clubs after being spread by groups such as Jelly Roll Morton and Creole Jazz Band and later by Louis Armstrong who pioneer the Hot Jazz, a rapid style of rhythmic jazz. The music was later copied by white musicians like Joe Venuti (1903-1978) and Teagarden (1905-19780) and soon later, it become an American marvel being liked by trendies and young people around the country.
Appearance of live bands and a thriving recording industry helped increase the Jazz’s audience and this made nightlife to be more fashionable. Due to its association with nightlife and night clubs, Jazz became exotic in both United States and Europe. Tutors who offer plagiarism-free essays at Edudorm essay writing service indicates that Popular bands began travelling widely and would play in all types of Venue. However it was hit hard by the Great Depression but later recovered and was revolutionised by musicians who include Female singers like Sarah Vaughn during 1924-1990. It later become sophisticated, more academic and was respected as high culture genre. It continued to develop many styles in 20th century and is still being developed by current talented musicians (Ted, 329).
History of Blues
This genre of music emerged from the southern parts of United States after the end of American Civil war in 1861 to 1965. It was developed and got it influence from work songs and from field hollers ragtime, minstrel show, church music ,the folk and popular music from the white population. Blues appeared first from black men mostly from the groups of agricultural workers. It dates back to the late 1890s to 1900s. A record by W.C Handy’s a black bandleader that was referred as ‘Memphis Blues’ was done in 1912. Writers who offer custom essay help at Edudorm essay writing service points that it gained a lot of popularity and later on other songs by Tin Pan Alley that were entitled blues started appearing. There was also development of rural Jazz and blues in Texas, Carolinas, Mississippi and Georgia. The first recordings of blues were done in 1920s women such as Mamie Smith, Ida Cox and Ma Rainey, black women performers who were basically stage singers and were backed by Jazz bands and their style was called classical blues (Edward, 339).
The World Wars and Great Depression resulted to the Jazz and blues being spread as many of the black people departed from the South and headed for the Northern cities. They were adapted by the urban environment which was more sophisticated. Its lyrics adapted the urban themes and its bands came up as the solo musicians were by joined by harmonica players, pianists and later by a section of rhythm that involved drums and bass. The blues have had an influence on other style of music especially on the rock music (Edward, 442).
Works cited
Edward, Komara. Encyclopaedia of the Blues .Psychology Press. 2006.339-442
Ted, Gioia.The History of Jazz. Oxford University Press. 2011. 329
