The History of Jazz
Tags: #music #jazz #history #culture
Authors: Ted Gioia
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Overview
My book, “The History of Jazz,” explores the evolution of jazz music from its origins in the African American musical traditions of the nineteenth century to the present day. I wrote this book for anyone interested in learning about jazz, whether they are new to the genre or seasoned listeners. Jazz is a uniquely American art form with a rich and complex history, and my book aims to provide a comprehensive and accessible overview of this history, exploring the key musicians, styles, and innovations that have shaped the music over the last century. Jazz, now more than a century old, continues to evolve and adapt, finding new audiences and inspiring new generations of musicians, and my book considers the challenges and opportunities facing jazz in the twenty-first century, a time of unprecedented musical diversity and technological change. I offer readers a unique perspective on jazz history, not as a simple linear progression of styles, but as a dynamic and multifaceted story of musical innovation, social change, and personal expression. Jazz has always been a music of hybridization, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, including blues, ragtime, gospel, and classical music. This book explores the many ways in which jazz has interacted with other musical genres and traditions, both in the United States and around the world.
Book Outline
1. The Prehistory of Jazz
African musical traditions had a profound impact on the development of American music, including jazz. One example of this influence can be found in the Africanization of European hymns, where call and response, improvisation, and social integration all played a vital role.
Key concept: Blacks had Africanized the psalms to such an extent that many observers described black lining hymns as a mysterious African music. In the first place, they so prolonged and quavered the texts of the hymns that only a recording angel could make out what was being sung. Instead of performing in an individualized sort of unison or heterophony, however, they blended their voices in great unified streams of tone.
2. New Orleans Jazz
The roots of jazz can be found in the vibrant musical culture of New Orleans, where brass bands played a central role in the social life of the city. These bands, with their instrumentation and focus on ensemble playing, provided the foundation for the development of early jazz styles.
Key concept: There was a traditional line-up for the New Orleans parades. The trombones were always first. Behind the trombones would be the heavy instruments, like bass, tubas and baritones. Then behind them were the altos, two or three alto horns, and behind them were the clarinets.
2. New Orleans Jazz
Jelly Roll Morton, a key figure in early jazz, was known for his bold personality and claims of having invented the music. While his claims to have single-handedly invented jazz are not credible, his impact on the development of the genre is undeniable, both as a composer and performer.
Key concept: My contributions were many: First clown director, with witty sayings and flashily dressed, now called master of ceremonies; first glee club in orchestra; the first washboard was recorded by me; bass fiddle, drums—which was supposed to be impossible to record. I produced the fly swatter (they now call them brushes).
2. New Orleans Jazz
Ragtime music, with its emphasis on syncopation and energetic rhythms, was another important precursor to jazz. Scott Joplin, the greatest of the ragtime composers, sought to elevate the music beyond its popular associations and imbue it with an artistic seriousness.
Key concept: note: Do not play this piece fast. It is never right to play Ragtime fast.
2. New Orleans Jazz
The classic blues, a variant of the country blues tradition, was popularized by female vocalists like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. These singers brought a new emotional depth and openness to the genre, exploring themes of love, loss, and desire.
Key concept: The Classic Blues revealed a specifically female awareness, especially about the nature of love.
2. New Orleans Jazz
The migration of African American musicians to Chicago in the early 1920s marked a significant shift in the evolution of jazz. King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band became a leading force in this new setting, its music characterized by a raw, powerful sound that captured the essence of the jazz experience.
Key concept: The players showed the most remarkable rhythmical sense and skill that ever came under my notice. Berlioz in his supremest effort with his army of drummers produced nothing to compare in artistic interest with the harmonious drumming of these savages.
3. The Jazz Age
Louis Armstrong’s arrival in Chicago in 1922 marked a turning point in the history of jazz, as the young cornetist’s exceptional musicianship and innovative improvisations challenged the traditional New Orleans ensemble aesthetic and helped usher in a new era of solo virtuosity.
Key concept: “I’m going to give you one note today,” he once told me. “See how many ways you can play that note—growl it, smear it, flat it, sharp it, do anything you want to it. That’s how you express your feelings in this music. It’s like talking.”
3. The Jazz Age
The 1920s saw an unprecedented growth in the popularity of jazz and blues, fueled by the rise of the recording industry. Record companies sought out promising African American artists, leading to the emergence of the “race records” market, which played a key role in bringing these new sounds to a wider audience.
Key concept: The “race records,” as these releases were labeled, encompassed a wide range of black musical forms, with both secular and religious material finding an enthusiastic audience.
4. Harlem
Harlem in the 1920s was a dynamic cultural center, home to the Harlem Renaissance, a flourishing of African American literature, art, and music. This period also saw the development of Harlem stride piano, a virtuosic keyboard style that combined elements of ragtime, blues, and classical music.
Key concept: “When Willie Smith walked into a place,” James P. Johnson explained, “his every move was a picture … studied, practiced and developed just like it was a complicated piano piece.”
4. Harlem
The transition from ensemble-focused New Orleans jazz to the solo-driven style of the Jazz Age was furthered by the recordings of Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five and Hot Seven bands. Armstrong’s innovative improvisations, rhythmic drive, and masterful command of the trumpet revolutionized jazz performance and paved the way for the later developments of swing music.
Key concept: “I felt as if I had stared into the sun’s eye,” was Max Kaminsky’s later description of his first hearing of this recording—a reaction that must have been shared by many other jazz musicians of the time. “All I could think of doing was run away and hide until the blindness left me.”
5. The Swing Era
The Swing Era was a period of unprecedented popularity for jazz, fueled by the rise of the big bands and the widespread dissemination of the music through radio broadcasts and recordings. Benny Goodman, often dubbed “the King of Swing,” was a pivotal figure in this movement, his clarinet playing and bandleading setting new standards for jazz musicianship and technical precision.
Key concept: “He [Benny Goodman] made the clarinet talk and it usually said ‘please put me back in my case. ’”
5. The Swing Era
The 1930s saw the rise of Duke Ellington’s orchestra as one of the most innovative and influential jazz ensembles of the era. Ellington’s unique ability to craft memorable compositions that highlighted the strengths and personalities of his band members would make the Ellington orchestra the most enduring jazz ensemble of the twentieth century.
Key concept: “Duke studied his men,” Barney Bigard has explained. “He studied their style, how they maneuver with their music, with their playing and everything. And he keeps that in his mind so if he wrote anything for you, it fit you like a glove.”
5. The Swing Era
Bix Beiderbecke, a gifted cornetist and pianist from Iowa, was one of the leading exponents of the Chicago style of jazz that flourished in the 1920s. Beiderbecke’s lyrical playing, characterized by his innovative use of harmonies and his distinctive tone, influenced generations of jazz musicians, but his legacy was limited by his short career and the limitations of early recording technology.
Key concept: “Records never quite reproduced his sound,” Pee Wee Russell has attested, with many others concurring in the judgment.
5. The Swing Era
Kansas City jazz, which emerged in the 1930s, combined the blues tradition of the Southwest with the big band sounds of the Northeast and the informal jam session ethos of Harlem. The resulting style was characterized by its loose, relaxed swing, its emphasis on bluesy improvisation, and its use of simpler riff-based charts.
Key concept: “I just stood there listening and looking, because I had never heard anything like that band in my life. … There was such a team spirit among those guys, and it came out in the music, and as you stood there looking and listening you couldn’t help wishing that you were a part of it.
6. Modern Jazz
The rise of bebop in the 1940s marked a major turning point in the history of jazz, introducing a new harmonic vocabulary, complex rhythms, and a more aggressive and virtuosic approach to improvisation. The development of this new style was centered in the after-hours clubs and jam sessions of Harlem, where young musicians like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie honed their skills in a competitive and often cutthroat environment.
Key concept: “Anybody who had a reputation as a piano player had to prove it right there and then by sitting down to the piano and displaying his artistic wares.
6. Modern Jazz
Art Tatum, a pianist of astonishing technical skill and harmonic ingenuity, pushed the boundaries of jazz piano with his dazzling improvisations and mastery of a wide range of styles. His virtuosity, however, was often criticized as being too showy and lacking in emotional depth.
Key concept: “I’m tellin’ you, those pretty notes went right through me.”
7. The Fragmentation of Jazz Styles
The growth of jazz in the 1940s and 1950s was fueled by the emergence of a number of important regional styles, including the West Coast cool jazz movement, which emphasized a more melodic, linear approach to improvisation, and the soulful, hard-driving sounds of hard bop.
Key concept: “I’m going to give you one note today,” he once told me. “See how many ways you can play that note—growl it, smear it, flat it, sharp it, do anything you want to it. That’s how you express your feelings in this music. It’s like talking.”
8. Freedom and Fusion
The rise of free jazz in the 1960s marked a radical departure from the conventions of earlier jazz styles, with its rejection of traditional harmonies, rhythms, and song forms. Led by Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor, and Albert Ayler, this movement aimed to liberate jazz from the constraints of the past and explore new realms of musical expression.
Key concept: “it don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing”
8. Freedom and Fusion
The 1970s and 1980s saw the emergence of fusion, a hybrid style that combined elements of jazz with rock, funk, and other popular genres. This movement, spearheaded by Miles Davis and other leading jazz musicians, achieved commercial success but was also controversial, with some critics accusing its practitioners of “selling out” to the music industry.
Key concept: “Yes, I am the world’s greatest listener.”
10. Jazz in the New Millennium
The emergence of digital technology in the 1990s and 2000s has had a profound impact on the jazz world, changing the way music is produced, distributed, and consumed. The rise of the internet and online music platforms has led to a proliferation of new jazz artists and styles, but it has also made it increasingly difficult for musicians to earn a living from their music.
Key concept: “You’re not dreaming,” proclaims the cover of one of them, “1,000 CDs in jewel cases now just $890.”
9. Traditionalists and Postmodernists
The postmodern turn in jazz has been marked by an increasing eclecticism and a willingness to blur the boundaries between genres and styles. This approach, exemplified by artists such as John Zorn and Dave Douglas, has produced a wide range of exciting new music, but it has also made it more difficult to define what constitutes “real jazz.”
Key concept: “The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing,”
Essential Questions
1. How did jazz transform from a localized folk tradition to a global phenomenon?
The transformation of jazz from a localized folk tradition to a global phenomenon is a complex and multifaceted story. Gioia highlights the role of African musical traditions, the cultural melting pot of New Orleans, the influence of ragtime and blues, and the impact of key figures like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Charlie Parker in shaping the music’s development. He also emphasizes the crucial role of technology, from the early phonograph to the rise of radio and the internet, in disseminating jazz and making it accessible to a wider audience. Gioia argues that the very essence of jazz lies in its ability to adapt, evolve, and incorporate new influences. Jazz is a music of constant change and experimentation, and its history is a testament to the power of creative expression and cultural exchange.
2. What are the key stylistic innovations that have shaped the evolution of jazz?
The history of jazz is marked by a series of stylistic innovations and revolutions, each building upon the achievements of its predecessors while also breaking new ground. From the collective improvisation of New Orleans jazz to the solo virtuosity of the Jazz Age, the big band swing of the 1930s, the harmonic and rhythmic complexities of bebop, the cool lyricism of West Coast jazz, the soulful intensity of hard bop, and the freewheeling explorations of free jazz, the music has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last century. Gioia emphasizes the crucial role of key figures like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis in driving these stylistic innovations, each of them pushing the boundaries of jazz and inspiring new generations of musicians.
3. What is the relationship between jazz and popular music, and how has this relationship evolved over time?
The relationship between jazz and popular music has been a complex and often contentious one. During the Swing Era, jazz enjoyed unprecedented popularity, but with the rise of bebop and other modern jazz styles, the music became increasingly alienated from the mainstream. The emergence of fusion in the 1970s represented an attempt to bridge this gap, but it also led to accusations of “selling out” from some jazz purists. In recent decades, the lines between jazz and popular music have become increasingly blurred, with many artists drawing on elements of both traditions. Gioia argues that jazz needs to find a way to balance its artistic integrity with its appeal to a wider audience if it is to survive and thrive in the twenty-first century.
4. How has race and racism shaped the history of jazz?
The role of race and racism has been a defining factor in the history of jazz. From its origins in the African American musical traditions of the nineteenth century to the struggles of black musicians for recognition and equality in a segregated society, jazz has been inextricably linked to the African American experience. Gioia highlights the contributions of key figures like Buddy Bolden, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Charlie Parker, among many others, in shaping the music’s development. He also explores the challenges faced by black musicians in a segregated society, from the Jim Crow era to the Civil Rights movement, and the impact of these challenges on the music itself. The story of jazz is, in many ways, a story of the African American struggle for freedom and equality, and Gioia’s book provides a powerful and insightful account of this struggle.
Key Takeaways
1. Jazz is a music of constant evolution and innovation.
Jazz has not evolved in a linear fashion, but rather through a series of stylistic revolutions, each building upon the achievements of its predecessors while also breaking new ground. AI engineers can learn from this history by understanding how innovation and experimentation have shaped the evolution of the genre.
Practical Application:
Understanding the historical evolution of jazz can provide valuable insights for AI engineers working on music generation or analysis. By studying how jazz musicians have innovated and transformed the genre over time, AI engineers can develop more sophisticated algorithms that can capture the essence of jazz and generate new music that is both original and authentic.
2. Jazz is a music of deep emotion and expression.
Jazz is a music that is deeply rooted in human emotion and expression. From the bluesy lament of a Bessie Smith to the ecstatic flights of a Charlie Parker, jazz musicians have always strived to convey the full range of human experience through their music.
Practical Application:
This understanding can help AI engineers develop more nuanced and sensitive algorithms for music analysis and generation, taking into account the emotional content and expressive qualities of music.
3. Jazz is a music of cultural fusion and hybridization.
Jazz is a music that has been shaped by a wide range of cultural influences, from its origins in the African American musical traditions of the nineteenth century to its interactions with European classical music, Latin American rhythms, and other world music traditions. The rich tapestry of influences that have shaped jazz music is a testament to the genre’s ability to adapt, evolve, and incorporate new ideas.
Practical Application:
Understanding the role of culture and context in shaping artistic expression is crucial for AI engineers working on music generation. By studying how different cultural influences have shaped jazz music, AI engineers can develop algorithms that can generate music that is culturally diverse and reflects a wide range of stylistic influences.
4. Jazz is a music of rhythmic complexity and innovation.
Rhythm is a fundamental element of jazz music, and the genre’s rhythmic vocabulary has evolved considerably over time. From the two-beat pulse of New Orleans jazz to the four-to-the-bar swing of the Swing Era, the complex polyrhythms of bebop, and the free-time explorations of free jazz, jazz musicians have continually pushed the boundaries of rhythmic expression.
Practical Application:
This knowledge can inform the design of AI systems that can recognize and analyze different rhythmic patterns and styles.
Suggested Deep Dive
Chapter: Chapter 1: The Prehistory of Jazz
This chapter provides a valuable foundation for understanding the cultural roots and historical context of jazz, exploring the African musical traditions that laid the groundwork for the genre’s development.
Memorable Quotes
Chapter 1: The Prehistory of Jazz. 11
The dances in Congo Square were a nexus where opposites collided.
Chapter 2: New Orleans Jazz. 34
If you can’t manage to put tinges of Spanish in your tunes, you will never be able to get the right seasoning, I call it, for jazz.”
Chapter 3: The Jazz Age. 51
Revolutions, whether in arts or matters of state, create a new world only by sacrificing the old.
Chapter 4: Harlem. 91
“When I began my work, jazz was a stunt.”
Chapter 5: The Swing Era. 186
“It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing”
Comparative Analysis
Gioia’s “The History of Jazz” stands out for its comprehensive and accessible approach, tracing the evolution of jazz from its roots in African American musical traditions to its global impact. Compared to other notable works like Gary Giddins’s “Visions of Jazz” and Ingrid Monson’s “Saying Something,” Gioia’s book provides a broader historical overview, covering a wider range of styles and musicians. While Giddins focuses on key figures and pivotal moments in jazz history, and Monson delves into the social and cultural contexts of improvisation, Gioia’s work offers a more holistic perspective, connecting musical developments to technological advancements, social change, and the interplay of personal styles and creative visions. Gioia’s book also excels in its examination of the role of race and racism in jazz history, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of African American musicians in a segregated society. While other authors have touched upon these issues, Gioia’s discussion is particularly nuanced and insightful, revealing the complex interplay of social forces and musical expression. Gioia’s “The History of Jazz” is an essential resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of this uniquely American art form.
Reflection
Gioia’s “The History of Jazz” offers a comprehensive and engaging narrative of the music’s journey, yet some might find his focus on stylistic evolution and individual musicians overshadows the broader social, cultural, and economic forces that have shaped the genre. While Gioia acknowledges these influences, his emphasis on musical analysis and biographical details sometimes comes at the expense of a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between music and society. Certain skeptical angles emerge, particularly when he attributes intentions and motivations to musicians based on limited evidence. For example, his assertion that Buddy Bolden deliberately sought to fuse ragtime and blues might be overstating the case. Nevertheless, Gioia’s book remains an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a detailed and insightful account of jazz history. His ability to capture the excitement and innovation of the music, his perceptive analysis of individual styles, and his deep appreciation for the artistry of jazz musicians make “The History of Jazz” a compelling read. Gioia’s work succeeds in bringing the music to life, revealing its complexities, its contradictions, and its enduring power to inspire and move listeners.
Flashcards
What is syncretism?
The blending together of cultural elements that previously existed separately.
What is a ring shout?
A rotating, counterclockwise movement often seen in African ritual ceremonies.
What are blue notes?
The use of both the major and minor third in the vocal line, along with the flatted seventh; the flatted fifth was a later addition, but would in time become equally prominent as a blue note.
What is blues form?
A repeating twelve-bar pattern typically built on three chords—tonic, dominant, and subdominant.
What are griots?
The musical bards of West African aural-oral societies.
What is ragtime?
A style of performance known as “ragging” or “ragged time” that employed a striding on-the-beat bass in the left hand and riveting right-hand syncopations.
What was Storyville?
A red-light district in New Orleans that existed for a scant twenty years—created by the city aldermen on October 1, 1897, and closed by the U.S. Navy on November 12, 1917.
Who typified the classic blues singers?
The first generation of blues divas, Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, who toured the South as part of a traveling minstrel show.
Who was Bessie Smith?
The greatest of the classic blues singers, born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, probably on April 15, 1894.
Who was Benny Goodman?
The ‘King of Jazz’, credited with popularizing swing music.