Jazz

• What is jazz considered in terms of musical genres?


  Jazz is a broad topic with many sub-genres.
• When did jazz music begin?

  Jazz music began around 1900.
• What are the roots of jazz music?


  Jazz has its roots in ragtime and earlier forms of music.
• How did ragtime evolve?

  Ragtime evolved from the combination of Western Art music with syncopated African rhythms.
• What is a characteristic pattern found in early jazz and ragtime?

  The 'stride' pattern between bass note and chords.
• How is the stride pattern played differently in ragtime and early jazz?


  In ragtime, it is played in the left hand of the piano, while in early jazz it is split between a tuba and other instruments.
• What common melody instruments were used in early jazz?

  The trumpet and clarinet.
• What musical technique did early jazz musicians begin to emphasize?

  They began to emphasize certain beats and exaggerate the timing of notes to create 'swing'.
• What era is known for popularizing swing music?


  The big band era.
• What did artists like Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis do during the bebop era?


  They worked with a rhythm section and created arrangements from simple outlines of melodies and harmonies.
• What was one of Miles Davis' most important albums released in 1959?


  "Kind of Blue".
• How did jazz musicians incorporate elements of rock music in the 1960s?

  They used electric keyboards, distorted guitars, and drum patterns featuring a 'backbeat'.
• What is a key example of jazz incorporating rock elements?

  Bitches Brew by Miles Davis.
• Who went on to form Weather Report?

  Wayne Shorter.
• How has jazz music continued to evolve?

  Jazz has incorporated other styles and genres within it.
• What modern artists have combined jazz with electronic beats and hip hop?

  Artists like St. Germain, USS, and Guru.
• What are the key characteristics of early jazz compared to ragtime?

  • Early jazz features improvisation.
  • Early jazz uses a split stride pattern.
  • Early jazz incorporates a variety of instruments.
  • Early jazz emphasizes swing feel.