Jazz Music Essay

Submitted By autumnsimpson
Words: 610
Pages: 3
Open Document
The song “Strange Fruit” is a poem that describes a gory image, negroes hung from trees by the lynching mob. This scene is a horrible one to make into a poem, and writing techniques are used to make it even more horrible. Jazz music has always existed as a voice for black musicians and audiences. The sounds and rhythms are extremely unique and colorful. It certainly changed America in the 1920's with the swing movement and it put jazz on the map. During this time many white people started to be influenced by this infectious music, and started to enjoy it. Many white people also discriminated against blacks and treated them as less than equal. A goal for an artist named Billie Holiday was to make America listen to the cries of a black man, a black man who was just lynched. Jazz music had to be recognized with its roots. Billie Holiday believed Jazz music had to defend the black people. No better way of being heard than through the voice of Holiday. She attempted to fight for black rights through her song “strange fruit”, a political song that struck a chord for many Americans.

Miles Davis musical aspect interests me the most because of his style that is easily recognizable and distinguished. His sound went on to influence many other newer forms of music today such as pop, soul, R&B, funk and rap. Davis employed a lyrical, melodic style that was known for its minimalism as well as introspection. After Miles Davis brief retirement he returned to the studio with his sextet to record perhaps one of the most widely recognized and best-selling jazz albums ever, "Kind of Blue". In 1963, Miles Davis put together his 2nd famous quintet. The first album in this form was "In a Silent Way" which was released in 1969. For this recording Miles was joined by guitarist John McLaughlin and keyboardists Chick Corea and Joe Zawinul. This album led to the groundbreaking album, "Bitches Brew". "Bitches Brew" is considered to be one of the most innovative and fresh musical styles created. The recording was inspired by numerous psychedelic musicians of the time such as guitarist Jimi Hendrix, Sly and the Family Stone, and singer James Brown. Miles band adapted to electric instruments instead of the traditional for recording and live performances. Another musical aspect that interests me is be-bop because
Show More

Related Documents: Jazz Music Essay

Jazz: Jazz and Music Essay

Essays on Music THEODOR W. ADORNO with Introduction, Commentary, and Notes BY RICHARD LEPPERT Selected, New translations by Susan H. Gillespie Uniaersity ot' CøIifornia press BERKELEY LOS ANGELES LONDON On Jazz On lazz The question of what is meant by "jazz" seems to mock the clear-cut . -\i) \-è "x! \ \N definitive answer. Just as the historical origins of the form are disappearing into the fog of the recent past, so its range is disappearing within its ambivalent…

Words 8741 - Pages 35

Essay on Jazz Music

THE LOS ANGELES JAZZ SOCIETY PRESENTS A Look at America’s National Treasure Jazz Music Developed by Dr. Thom Mason, Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California Presentation created by Dessa Drake, Fifth Grade Teacher Canoga Park Elementary School What is Jazz? Where did it come from? Where did Jazz originate and how did it spread in the US? What instruments do jazz players play? Piano Guitar Bass What instruments do jazz players play? Tenor Saxophone Alto Saxophone…

Words 1252 - Pages 6

Jazz and Music Essay

Jimelia Lett March 16, 2015 English Dr.Fishkins The Music of My Life When I first wake-up I can be cranky and lazy. Taking forever to do any and everything when I first wake-up is a usual every morning. Bruno Mars “Lazy Song” off of his album Doo-Wops & Hooligans (released in 2010) fits me perfectly during this time of the day. My favorite verse of the song is “ I just want to lay in my bed, don’t feel like picking up my phone , so leave a message at the tone” because when I try to get up in the…

Words 1625 - Pages 7

Essay History of Jazz Music

once said, “Boxing is like jazz, the better it is, the less people appreciate it.” When it comes to music, many may believe that their favorite genre is underrated, but that isn’t the case with jazz music. Even though there may be no true definition of jazz music because it is subject to opinion, there is no doubt that jazz music influenced many cultures to expand its beauty into an international phenomenon. Originating from southern United States during the 1900’s, this music was not extremely popular…

Words 1343 - Pages 6

Jazz Music History Essay

Throughout Music history, especially when focusing on Jazz, it is critical in noticing all the instruments involved in the music. For example, many soloists consist of using the piano, the trumpet or the saxophone to create a unique and fun or a more slow and deep sound that will arise from all of the other Jazz artists. Furthermore, it is also seen that many composers use specific instruments to highlight their styles and focus the song on a specific mood, for example, they will take the bebop style…

Words 619 - Pages 3

Jazz Music: Duke Ellington

figure in the world of Jazz music. His career lasted more than half of a century. In the 1940’s his fame rose after composing many of his most famous works. Duke’s sense of musical drama is what made him stand out. His personal life was unknown but he married at the age of 19 to Edna Thompson, who shortly after there marriage gave birth to there only child Mercer. Ellington died on May 24, 1974 at the age of 75 due to lung cancer and pneumonia. His finally words were “Music is how I live, why I live…

Words 115 - Pages 1

Jazz and Latin Music Essay

1. Describe some of the influence of Latin music in the US in the early part of the twentieth century. Latin music added a lot to American music. For example, Jazz was huge! It was unlike anything the Americans have heard. Also, the Latinos contributed Mambo, and different types of R&B and Rock. 2. What was the significance of “Machito and His Afro-Cubans”? Machito and his Afro-Cubans were one of the first Latino Jazz bands. Starting in the 1940s and spreading their influence across America…

Words 336 - Pages 2

Jazz Music Review Essay

On March 23, 2012, UNC Jazz Band performed at the Rehearsal Room of Kenan Music Building for the 25th Annual Videmus Festival. UNC’s Videmus fest aims to change the perception that white males being dominate figures of today’s field of music1. In this way, the festival features the works of women and blacks, who are the underrepresented groups of composers1. The whole concert consisted of three pieces of music by Mary Lou Williams and 5 other pieces of music by Sherisse Rogers. Mary Lou Williams…

Words 1085 - Pages 5

Jazz and Latin Music Essay

Jackson Baxter Mr. Lundquist Music of the World 3/24/15 01.09 1. Describe some of the influence of Latin music in the US in the early part of the twentieth century. – The music that the Latin culture had was different to America and when Latin music was introduced, reggae and Latin jazz was a new style to Americans and became popular. The music caused cultural infusion and new cultures to be welcome. 2. What was the significance of "Machito and His Afro-Cubans"? – The significance of “Machito…

Words 312 - Pages 2

Fletcher Henderson Influence On Jazz Music

Jazz Hands!: How Jazz Greats Sculpted The Music of Their Time Music has always been a guiding force for the world. Since the beginning, it has been used for in place of words for communication and for creative expression. During the Jazz Era of the early 1900’s, this was no different. Despite the looming Great Depression and the hardships the country faced, people continually turned to jazz music to get away from it all. The sometimes-wild, sometimes-soulful genre captivated audiences around the…

Words 1761 - Pages 8