Music Genres Explained: Jazz

There’s a whole world of music out there (the medal for the most obvious statement goes to us). It’s estimated that there are anywhere between 97 and 230 million songs in the world.

Us humans like order. We like to put things into boxes so they make sense to us. And we like to use these boxes to help us form an identity ourselves. That’s why music genres are so important. 

We already have a wrap up on what genre is, and a deep dive into Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, Country and R&B and EDM so now it’s time to look at the world of Jazz. 

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What is Jazz music?

Jazz is a genre of music known for its improvisational nature, rhythmic complexity, and unique blend of musical influences.

It originated in the early 20th century in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city known for its cultural diversity. Jazz evolved from a mixture of African American musical traditions, such as blues and ragtime, along with European musical elements like harmony and instrumentation.

Jazz’s defining feature is its improvisational nature. While genres like classical often emphasise precision and adherence to the score, jazz thrives on individual expression. 

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The sound

There are a few key characteristics of Jazz music:

• Improvisation: One of the most defining features of jazz is its focus on spontaneity. Musicians often create and modify their solos on the spot, making each performance unique.
• Syncopation and swing: Jazz often features syncopated rhythms, where the emphasis is placed on off-beats, creating a sense of unpredictability and movement. "Swing" refers to the groove that results from this syncopation, giving jazz its distinctive, laid-back feel.
• Blue notes: These are notes that are sung or played at a slightly lower pitch than those of the standard major scale, giving jazz its soulful and sometimes melancholic sound.
• Call and response: Originating from African musical traditions, this involves one musician playing a phrase (the call) and another responding, creating a musical dialogue.
• Complex harmonies: Jazz uses sophisticated chord progressions and harmonies, often more complex than those in popular or classical music.

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The history 

Jazz began as an offshoot of the blues, a deeply emotive musical style that emerged from African American spirituals, work songs, and field hollers. 

It also drew from ragtime, which brought syncopated rhythms and intricate melodies into popular music. These elements converged in New Orleans, where marching bands, street musicians, and dance halls allowed for the cross-pollination of musical ideas.

The 1930s and 1940s marked the swing era, a time when jazz truly became America's popular music. Swing had a rhythmic groove that made it impossible not to dance, which fueled its popularity in ballrooms across the country.

In the 1950s and 1960s, jazz continued to evolve through movements like cool jazz and modal jazz, which provided a more laid-back and harmonically open sound. Miles Davis, one of jazz’s greatest innovators, played a pivotal role during this period. 

As the 20th century progressed, jazz began to mix with other genres, leading to fusion in the 1970s, which combined jazz improvisation with rock and funk elements. 

In the 21st century, jazz continues to inspire and evolve. Modern artists blend traditional elements with contemporary styles like hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. Jazz festivals worldwide draw crowds eager to hear both jazz legends and emerging artists.

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Identifiable Jazz artists 

According to YouGov, the top 5 most popular Jazz artists in the UK are:

1. Frank Sinatra

2. Louis Armstrong

3. Nat King Cole

4. Bing Crosby

5. Nina Simone

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Jazz is a diverse genre with several sub-genres, from Bebop and Standards to Free Jazz and Fusion, offering various avenues to explore. The softer textures of the jazz trio tradition work particularly well, with artists like Red Garland and McCoy Tyner creating that refined, elegant, cutlery-clinking ambiance. Whereas Neo-Jazz, featuring artists like Robert Glasper and Braxton Cook, introduces a cool, earthy, edgier feel that is more suited to Cafés and Retail spaces. Ultimately, it’s about understanding where your brand fits and selecting the jazz style that can help highlight the core messages of your brand identity.

- Magnus, our Music Consultant