There are different types of jazz music, each with their own origin and style. Jazz piano music is distinctly different from any other types of music and can be recognized world wide as having a uniquely American flair to it. Jazz had its beginnings in the United States but is now considered to have a fine mixture of African culture thrown in with it. There are four distinct parts to jazz music that include rhythm, harmony, melody, and tonal qualities. No matter what type of jazz that you enjoy you~ll be able to find a club that caters to your tastes. There are many experimental jazz venues that are popping up all over the place, including many European cities where all types of music are welcomed and appreciated.
One style of jazz is known as the Work Song. This type of jazz is upbeat and rhythmically fast since it was often used to make the work day pass by quicker. The Work Song is repeated over and over in a rhythmic style that is not often heard these days. This type of jazz is often associated with African American music perhaps because of this rhythmic beat that has become the least popular of jazz styles today.
New Orleans jazz began in the early 1890's. It started out with brass band performances highlighting marching and gospel songs. One of the most famous names from this period was William Basie. He became famous with his band, the Count Basie Orchestra. His music is still listened to and loved today.
Chicago jazz came along a bit later, in late 1917. Chicago was the center of jazz around then since musicians were leaving the south because of prohibition. They were also coming north to look for new employment opportunities and find places to play their new form of jazz. During this period the piano became an important background of the jazz experience. This new sound evolved as Chicago Style jazz.
After World War II jazz went through another transformation and Bebop was born. Bebop is a fusion of fast tempo and changing rhythmic patterns that creates a softer and lighter sound of jazz. Bebop often focuses on a solo performer rather than on an entire band.
Jazz is a constantly changing branch of music that still manages to retain its roots. Jazz piano music 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 adapts to different times and needs - and is one of the central reasons it is so popular today.
Billy Merrick is the webmaster for Real Info on Jazz, the web's premier resource for information about Jazz. For more articles on Jazz visit: http://www.rijazz.com/articles
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