Posts Tagged ‘Spiritual Music’
Many people think that jazz is the music of the elite and well-established people. But, if you look into the roots of jazz, you will see the opposite. Jazz is an art of expression in the form of music. Jazz music is the fundamental music in human life.
Jazz tradition evolved from the lifestyle of black community in America who has been oppressed. Initially, the tradition began from the influence of tribal drums and gospel music, blues and field hollers (the shouts of cultivators). Its birth process has demonstrated that jazz was closely related to the life defense and expression of human life.
The interesting thing from jazz music was that the origin of the word “jazz” was derived from a vulgar term used for sexual acts. Most of rhythms in jazz were ever associated with the brothels and the women with an unfortunate reputation.
Then, in the journey of jazz, it eventually became an art form of jazz music, both in the specific composition and improvisation, which reflected the spontaneous melodies. Jazz musicians usually expressed their feelings that were uneasily explained because this music should be felt within the heart.
Rock music features vocals, electric guitars, a powerful backbeat, and the occasional saxophone. A key element is Rock n Roll, and the terms are used interchangeably. “Rock n Roll” is a nautical expression and refers to the motions of a ship. It entered black spiritual music in 1916; “Rocking” was used by African Americans to describe the bliss they experienced at religious events and their accompanying music. Simultaneously, black secular musicians used the term for dancing or sex.
Wynonie Harris’ ‘Good Rocking Tonight’ started the “rock” fad in 1947, though people became aware of it only in 1954, owing to tracks like ‘Shake, Rattle, and Roll’ and ‘Rock Around The Clock’. In the mid-50′s, when Rock n Roll scaled popularity charts, record companies began promoting singers. RCA backed Elvis Presley – the first superstar rock musician, Decca backed Bill Haley and Buddy Holly, while Capitol promoted Gene Vincent. Thus, R&B artists faded into oblivion.