Early Swing Jazz

Early Swing Jazz

Notes

Description

Form of jazz music that developed into the 1920s and was popularized from the 1930s to the 1940s

Distinctive style of music in the US

Distinguished by:

o Strong rhythm (with double bass and drums)

o Medium to fast tempo (varying)

o Swing time rhythm (notes are augmented or diminished for effect, repetition).

o Big band dance music

Origins/History

First recordings labelled ÐŽ§swing styleЎЁ dates back to the 1920s in the US and the United Kingdom

Evolved out of experimentation primarily in New Orleans

Developed further in cities such as Kansas City and New York City and gained popularity

In the 1930s, bands (vocal and/or instrumental) were formed and were much more crowded than other jazz bands (consisted of more than 16 people)

Bands were made larger due to no amplifiers at the time (making it louder)

Less soloists meant less chaos (for more harmonic within the band)

Bands usually have one soloist, other members playing support

Bands focused on improvisation and instrumental ability

Led to creative and energetic dancing with black people (now known as swing dance)

Was popular with white population (America was prejudiced/raciest at the time)

Paved a path of social respectability for black people

With the start and close of World War II, bands didnÐŽ¦t have much financial support because of extra taxes/money needed for the war and popularity decreased

People were focused on the war, not music during the 1940s

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