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"Types of Jazz Music" by Billy Merrick

The world of jazz music is full of different styles, each with their own style and origin. Jazz music, a distinctly American invention, is different from any other types of music. Although the roots of jazz begin in United States, it is now considered to have a fine mixture of African culture enmeshed in it. The four distinct components of jazz music are rhythm, harmony, melody, and tonal qualities. Regardless of your preference for the type jazz, you'll be able to find a club that caters to your tastes. Experimental jazz is one of the more popular styles, with venues popping up all over the world, including many European cities.

The Work Song is one style of jazz that is an interesting style of jazz. Work songs are typically upbeat and rhythmically fast - they are used to make the work day pass by quicker. The Work Song uses a rhythmic style that is repeated over and over and is seldom heard these days. The work song is sometimes associated with African American music - this rhythmic beat has become the least popular of jazz styles today.

New Orleans is another style of Jazz that had its beginnings in the early 1890's. It began as brass band performances that highlighted marching songs and gospel songs. One of the most popular jazz names from this time is the famous bandleader, William Basie, who would become well known with his band as the Count Basie Orchestra. This type of jazz is still popular today.

Another type of jazz style is the Chicago Style of jazz that began in the late 1917's. Chicago was known as the jazz location of the country since musicians that were leaving the southern states due to the prohibition were moving north looking for new jobs and places where they could play this new type of jazz. It was at this time that the piano was added to the background sound of jazz, creating an entirely new sound that became known as Chicago Style jazz.

World War II came and went, transforming jazz yet again. This era is when Bebop was born. Bebop fuses fast tempo with changing rhythmic patterns and makes a softer, lighter sound. Bebop will often focus on a solo performer instead of the whole band.

Jazz is a constantly changing branch of music that still manages to retain its roots. Jazz is one of the branches of music that has changed and continues to evolve according the different outlook of the listeners. Jazz offers a flexibility - the ability to adapt to different times and needs - and is one of the central reasons it is so popular today.

About the Author

Billy Merrick is the webmaster for Real Info on Jazz, the #1 source on the internet for information about Jazz. For more articles on Jazz why not visit: http://www.rijazz.com/articles.

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Emily Sigers
emily@thepianopages.com