Jazz in the early 20th Century
Jazz is defined as a genre of popular music that official originated in New Orleans around 1900. Apparently, the word 'jazz' originated in New Orleans 'jass', which was slang for sexual intercourse, but it gradually came to be applied to anything exciting. Other commentators have traced the use of the word in a musical context even further back, the first instance of writing dating to 1909.Jazz music is commonly characterized by intricate rhythms and syncopation, improvisation, call and response, and swing. First sweeping through the Western World in the 1920s and 30s, jazz has subsequently become entrenched as one of the characterizing movements in 20th Century culture. A revealing quote from Paul Whitman, the undisputed 'King of Jazz', shows the conditions in which jazz arrived in America: "Jazz came to America 300 years ago in chains". That is, from West Africa via the black slaves who were imported to the states of Southern America to work for white masters in plantations. The slaves built up a rich hoard of work songs and ballads, lamenting their circumstances and conditions, and in time these developed into distinct genres, spawning the blues and ultimately jazz itself. However, it was never the sole property of th
Jazz entered a golden age in the 1920s, when up-and-coming stars of the ability of Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke perfected the 'hot' style now often labeled 'trad'. Her version of 'Mack The Knife' comprises of Ella's vocals, double bass, piano, and drum kit. Briefly, jazz emerged as a thriving form of popular music after it caught on among the musicians who were paid to entertain clients in the brothels of New Orleans at the turn of the century. Therefore, it can be observed that Ella Fitzgerald's version of 'Mack The Knife' contains many, if not all, the primary elements of jazz music. Many sub genres include bebop, hard bop, Dixieland, cool jazz, free jazz, jazz-fusion, modal jazz, soul jazz, smooth jazz and boogie woogie. Fitzgerald, along with Louis Armstrong in particular, introduced jazz to a more mainstream audience with her vast repertoire, and her version of 'Mack the knife' has become a classic. Overall, jazz was a time where exploration led to new and interesting sounds, and unconventional playing techniques emerged. The great leaders of jazz created a base of interesting and complex rhythms, improvisation, scat, and blue notes for jazz music to thrive and continue its popularity through the 20th and well into the 21st century. Another undeniably great jazz singer, Billie Holiday, achieved legendary status during her acclaimed career during the 1930s and 40s. Many new musical forms, sub genres and styles surfaced with the exploration of jazz over time. Holiday, as a performer had a natural gift for reconfiguring the tune's melodic contours to accommodate her modest range, and this recording is no exception. At this time, jazz was still a mixture of things - current dance numbers, novelty songs and show tunes. Her accompanying band used their instruments in a very percussive, rhythmic way, especially in the improvised solo sections, complementing her expressive use of the melody. Although early development of jazz was racially segregated, the slow dissolution of this began in the late 20s and through the 30s, especially with the culmination of small, racially diverse music groups. In her solo recording of 'Spreadin' Rhythm Around' Holiday explored a variety of jazz techniques that particularly highlighted her talents and style.
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Acceptance Essays
