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Jazz started in the early 1900's when ragtime was in its heyday. Jazz is based on ragtime and the blues. The distinguishing factor of jazz is improvization (Brooks 84). The written music of jazz is the backbone while the individual player's improvization is its soul.
The oldest and best-known jazz musician is trumpeter W. C. Handy. His spirit and talent made him and his music famous. Handy was also instrumental in the proliferation of jazz music. He accomplished this by writing and transcribing most of his music.
In jazz's early days, the music was simply ragtime with improvization added. As the years went by, jazz took on a life of its own. Starting with bands like Joe "King" Oliver and his Creole Band, to Fletcher Henderson, to The Duke Ellington Orchestra, to Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five, to Miles Davis and his Band, jazz has progressed to the point where improvization has taken over. Written jazz, of which there was little when jazz started, focused on the whole band. These pieces would have small sections where a certain player would stand up and solo. As the years went by, the space for soloing became longer. It continued to get longer and this produced a new style of music called free jazz. Free jazz is based entirely on improvization.
Besides the audible effect jazz had, it also crossed many racial barriers. Bands such as the Benny goodman Orchestra had headlining African American members (Shadwick 47). Some jazz musicians and bands, such as Louis Armstrong and the Duke Ellington Orchestra, made it to Hollywood with big movie hits. Jazz had many followers, crossing all racial boundaries. Jazz and African American music was one thing blacks and whites both enjoyed.
Jazz MIDIs
Four Miles Davis
Seven Steps to Heaven Miles Davis
It Don't Mean a Thing Duke Ellington
Satin Doll Duke Ellington
Night in Tunisia Dizzi Gilespie
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