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What is jazz music?

Jazz music has been described as a brand of music played by artists who look as though they are enjoying themselves. Watch a jazz quartet in action and you see people who appear to be having fun with their music, displaying a vibrancy we often do not observe in other music styles. The very term "jazz" gives us the impression we will be treated to music that is upbeat and fun.

A look back at the development of jazz music opens up sparkling kaleidoscope of instrumentalists and singers who are fondly remembered for their contribution over the years. People like Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Louis Armstrong are giants in the jazz music world having brought their style to the masses of music lovers. The variation within jazz sets it apart from other styles and is a genre that has stood the test of time, still being appreciated to this day.

The combination of instruments adds a color to jazz music that has no boundaries, a brand of music with a freedom of expression from the big band sound to the smaller jazz quartet. As music that originated in New Orleans at the turn of the twentieth century, jazz is a brand of music that is open to self-expression. Listening to a jazz musician leaves us with the impression they are creating the music as they play. Jazz is a style that allows musicians and singers the freedom to go with the flow, forming music that is extemporaneous in nature, music without rules.

IMPROVISATION
A major feature of jazz music is the power of improvisation among performers, who seem make it up as they go along. Bring a group of musicians and singers together and just let it happen is one of the tenets of true jazz music. This is reflected in many of the main proponents of jazz who established their own style of music within the jazz genre. This individuality within the music contributes to a style that is extremely varied and offers something to suit every taste.

Jazz music is definitely a style suited to those who consider themselves as musical free spirits, innovative and creative without rules. Even those who do not play musical instruments can share in the jazz experience with their own brand of vocals that contribute to the overall tapestry. The enjoyment experienced by the performers is transmitted to the listener and proves to be an uplifting experience for all.

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Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

What is jazz music?

  • 1 of 19

    by JC Campbell

    Jazz music has been described as a brand of music played by artists who look as though they are enjoying themselves. Watch

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  • 2 of 19

    by Digs Daily

    Jazz is akin to my father's wingtips, which still shine brightly after decades of wear. Jazz is the rhythm of life, and

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  • 3 of 19

    by Susan Quilty

    Jazz is a musical style driven by emotion where the written song is treated as a guideline that is open to interpretation.

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  • 4 of 19

    by Ashley Smith

    Jazz is a form of music that incorporates so much it's hard to pigeon hole what it is or what it means. It often involves

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  • 5 of 19

    by Steve Newman


    If you want to discover the origins of jazz read one of the best books ever compiled about the music: Nat Shapiro's and

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What is jazz music?

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