Free Essay

Gypsy Jazz

In:

Submitted By ccabralcastro
Words 2081
Pages 9
Casandra Cabral-Castro
Professor Henley
MUS 211 World Music Cultures
May 1, 2014

A Glimpse into Gypsy Jazz
Gypsy jazz is wanderer music, created on the move of many, and is comprised of numerous musical traditions. Gypsies originated in India. In the year 1001, an army of peasants were drafted to fight Muslim invaders. The wars lasted thirty years, after which the warriors migrated west to Byzantium. From there they migrated through Egypt and North Africa to Spain and France. In Spain they became known as gitanos and, in France, gitans. They were first reported in France in 1418. Some then continued on to Russia and Eastern Europe, (Silverman, 2000).
Some eastern Europeans originally saw the Romani people as valuable new citizens. A couple of centuries later laws were passed excluding Romani from marrying spouses from other ethnic groups, and many Romani were detained and forced into slavery, (Silverman, 2000). This continued for five hundred years. During World War II, the Nazis murdered approximately two and a half million Romanies. They were sentenced to forced labor and imprisonment in concentration camps. More often than not they were killed on sight, especially on the Eastern Front. In central and eastern Europe, Romanies experienced restrictions of cultural freedom. The Romani language and music were banned from public performance, they were moved to live in border areas, and their nomadic lifestyle was forbidden. Romani women were sterilized as part of a state policy to reduce their population, (Silverman, 2000).
“The historical situation, however, is much more complex: for more than five hundred years Roma in Eastern Europe have been professional musicians, playing for non-Roma peasants for remuneration in taverns and at weddings, baptisms, circumcisions, fairs, village dances, and other events. This professional niche, primarily for male instrumentalists, requires Roma to know and creatively interact with local repertoires. A nomadic lifestyle often enforced upon Roma through harassment and prejudice, gave them opportunities to enlarge their repertoires and become multi-musical and multilingual,” (Silverman, 2000).

The Gypsy style emerges from the soul of deeply oppressed peoples. Gypsy music is a great cultural achievement of modern civilization. Gypsy jazz origins are predominantly in France. Gypsy jazz is often called "jazz manouch" by the French, (Silverman, 2000). The dark Gypsy flavor with the swing delivery of the nineteen twenty’s, and thirty’s is dire to this style of jazz. Guitar and violin are the main solo instruments. The clarinet, mandolin, and accordion are also common instruments used. The rhythm guitar is played using a specific percussion technique known as, "la pompe". This distinct technique is used in place of drums. Many instrumental lineups exist. A typical ensemble includes: three guitars (one lead, and two rhythm), one violin and one bass is the most common.
Keeping this musical tradition live is an important living musical tradition among the Romanies in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. The skill is transferred from older relatives to the new generations through oral tradition. The younger generations absorb new influences in their playing before passing the tradition to the next generation. Music is an important part of Romani life. Gypsy jazz is played in small family occasions as well as in larger gatherings. The venues may change, but the music remains the same, (Reed, 1999). For many of the Romani people this is the only means of income. Caravan Palace, a Parisian electro-swing group, was formed in 2007, when the band was brought together to compose the soundtrack for a silent adult film. Even with the band’s shady beginning in 2009 their first CD sold over one-hundred and fifty thousand copies and made it to number eleven on France’s album chart, (Arcos, Betto). Gypsy jazz, American swing from the 1930’s, and an electronic beat that is full of energy, lies at the core of the band’s success. The band knew they were going to hit some criticism from many groups. The Roma people were their greatest concern. The Roma need the public to continue the interest in their music in order to make a living. ‘We were very afraid of the reaction of gypsies, and really understood that we weren’t here to do the same job as them,’ explained Hugo Payen, Caravan Palace’s violinist and co-founder (Arcos, Betto). Keeping in mind the traditional styles of Gypsy jazz, they still managed to still have fun.
Below is a compilation of five tracks off of Caravan Palace’s album Panic. This album is the second the band has produced and was released on March 5, 2012. Each song has the lyrics listed and a short reflection and analysis.
1. Rock It For Me
All the "bad boys" want some brawl, it's tricky
And girls enjoy, they feel so lucky
Laughing at weeds running out the door,
Calling their mom when they lick the floor
(Look how) Those funky monkeys talk and walk in store
They're lost, sad and brawny like an apple core
Who can believe that there will be some gore With those wimps like I said before

It ain't right, babe, no
It ain't right, no no
Mama, don't do that you know
It ain't right, yeah, boy boy.

It ain't right, babe, no
It ain't right, no no
Mama, don't do that you know
It ain't right, yeah, boy boy.

"Bad boys" are not so picky
They ride away and feel so happy
To fight for girls they do adore
Snorting like boars rolling on the floor
With their leather jacket and their rocky voice
They hit, fight, kick, wreak havoc and rejoice
Nobody knows what they are looking for
A kind of battle axe or maybe more

It ain't right, babe, no
It ain't right, no no
Mama, don't do that you know
It ain't right, yeah, boy boy.

It ain't right, babe, no
It ain't right, no no
Mama, don't do that you know
It ain't right, yeah, boy boy.

When a bad boy tramp sounds, its' freaky
Cause you're afraid, remember he's lanky
Don't rate him even he gets sore
Cross the river and roam the shore.

This is by far, my favorite song on the album. The tempo is fast, happy. You can feel the swing and hear the jazz style underneath it all. It makes me want to get up and dance. Definitely reminds me of The Great Gatsby. Caravan Palace has brought elements of today’s fast-electro beats and mixed it with the Gypsy jazz and American swing, which makes it a complete joy to listen to.

2. Dramophone
Sassy sisters,
Dressed in nothing but silk underwear.
Silly swingers,
Get your feeling under spell.
Sassy sisters,
Come and taste as sweet as can be.
Silly swingers.

Say man, what's the matter,
What's he doing standing up there shaking like that?
Ah, well the boys are gonna tell you what to do.
Listen to 'em.

Dressed in nothing.
Dressed in nothing but silk underwear.
Listen to 'em.
Dressed in nothing.
Dressed in nothing but silk underwear.
Dressed in nothing.
Dressed in nothing but silk underwear.
Dressed in nothing but silk underwear.

Dressed in nothing.
Dressed in nothing but silk underwear.
Dressed in nothing.
Dressed in nothing but silk underwear.

Sassy sisters,
Dressed in nothing but silk underwear.
Silly swingers,
Get your feeling under spell.
Sassy sisters,
Come and taste as sweet as can be.
Silly swingers.

Get your feeling under spell.

This song is also upbeat and has more instrumentals then vocals. The synthesizer is more prominent as well. You still have the electro beats with the swing and jazz. The vocals are soft and pleasant. This is another example of a great dance song, it is fun and light. There are not many lyrics but it is very catchy.

3. Pirates
Whatever the girl inside you are,
You are walking, you are still walking
But if the early light has it tonight and i'm
I'm like one earring if you steal one earring

Whatever's in light i need you inside you are
You are walking, you are still walking
But if the early light has it tonight and i'm
I'm like one earring if you steal one earring

Lady can't wear no hat, can't no wear no coat
Never her coat

Do me, beauty
Rock me up, yup go once again
Hug me, beauty
Oop, the way this life is clearing into my brains
Fool me, beauty
Let me think of home once again
Hear me, beauty
You gotta hide away the secret of your low bone this man

Compared to the previous two songs, this one has a more swinging and a slower tempo, but not by much! You can still dance to it and the guitar has a beautiful solo. The vocals are a little monotone at times, but it goes with the flow of the song. The song is very 1920’s feeling. While listening to this song and closing my eyes I can see people dancing in a speakeasy, swaying to the beat.

4. Beatophone
Slow drag
I love that new lazy swing
I'm almost (slooow drag)
It sure is dragging me down
I crave that (slooow drag)
It's got my soul on fire
I know that (slooow drag)
It sure is dragging me down
I crave that (slooow drag)

Slow drag
I love that new lazy swing
I'm almost (slooow drag)
It sure is dragging me down
I crave

Slow drag
I love that new lazy
I crave them all

This is another up-beat fast tempo song, but with a male vocalist. The vocalist has a deep, rich tone to his vocal quality. A female voice has a few improvised notes here and there. The synthesizer is also very prominent in this track. There is definitely a more “electro” feel to this song compared to the others.

5. Clash
People downing in the middle of the parties again
Getting the cool with the happy, they want fire (fire)
Everybody's talkin' bout the power of the gospel (everybody)
People want cool, they want happy, they want fire

People downing in the middle of the parties again
Getting the cool with the happy, they want fire
Everybody's talkin' bout the power of the gospel
Getting the cool with the happy, they want fire

Seems to feel that beat hook has a falladay
Why don't we keep the rhythm till everybody's down (everybody)
Now people wanna stop the friendly happening
But we won't stop this sound, yeah that's right

People downing in the middle of the parties again
Getting the cool with the happy, they want fire
Everybody talkin' bout the power of the gospel
People want cool, they want happy, they want fire

Seems to feel that beat hook has a falladay
Why don't we keep the rhythm till everybody's down
Now people wanna stop the friendly happening
But we won't stop this sound, yeah that's right

There is a male vocalist with a female harmonizing in the background. The synthesizer is very prominent and has a very big “electro” tone to it. It has a very up-beat and fast tempo. The vocals are light and fun, a great dance song. There is still a swinging quality to the song regardless of the synthesizer use. Gypsy jazz and Caravan Palace are both fun, up-beat, and dance worthy. Although the Roma people have been persecuted all throughout history they have given the world and amazing treasure. Jazz is created from the pain and oppression of the musicians. The heart and soul that is put into the music is clear to any person listening. Caravan Palace has taken that soul and added a twist. Swing and synthesizers are not what one would typically think as a good match, but listen to one track and you will be hooked. Where would we be without the intermingling of cultures and their music? Hopefully, no one will ever have to find out.

Works Cited
Arcos, Betto. "Caravan Palace: Swinging to Electro Beats." . N.p., 27 Aug. 2010. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. .
"Caravan Palace." Facebook. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. .
Miles, Milo. "Europe Swings The Body Electric." . N.p., 23 Oct. 2013. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. .
Reed, John. Centeral European Economic Review-February 1999-Diversions-Romanian Riff: A new style of Gypsy music spurs dancing and diversion. : Dow Jones & Company Inc, 1999. Print.
Rentner, Simon. "Oui Et oui: Montreal Jazz's French Connection ." . N.p., 27 June 2013. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. .
Silverman, Carol. "Europe." Garland Encyclopedia of World Music . : Routledge, 2000. . Print.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Gypsy Music

...Ethnographic CD Review: Ensemble La Roue Fleurie – Gypsy Guitars The Music of the Gypsies The Gypsies or the Romani people are an ethnic group now living predominantly in Europe. They are believed to have migrated from an Indian Subcontinent some 1000 years ago due to persecutions and their status on the Indian caste system. It wasn’t until around 1856 that the gypsies were freed as slaves in Walachia and Moldavia, which are now part of Romania. In Western Europe, hanging, flogging, and branding of Roma people was encouraged, and an estimated 1 million were killed in the holocaust. The Gypsies are nomadic and live in caravans or trailers, setting up small camps and moving from place to place. Music as a tradition is paramount in the lives of the gypsies, who have always been revered as being exceptional musicians, especially for their virtuosity in their instruments. For the gypsies, music has always just been a part of life, and it has been extremely important in helping them to cope with the harsh reality of their existence. As a result of the years and years of traveling throughout the world, a myriad of musical influences have left their mark in the traditional gypsy music. Beginning of course with Indian roots, tinges of Greek, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Serbian, Czech, Slavic, Romanian, German, French, and Spanish can be heard in the music. Indian influence can be heard through the use of the harmonic minor scale and the double-harmonic minor, or Hungarian minor...

Words: 1681 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Misery of Gypsies in Lahore

...“Life and Misery of Gypsies in Lahore Date: 24th November 2010 SUMMARY Gypsies are a social group of nomads that mostly suffer discrimination from the rest of the society. These gypsy communities in Lahore are living in great misery. They don’t have even the basic facilities of life such as electricity, health, education and clean water for drinking instead there are masses of rubbish and pools of filthy water all around. The children of gypsies run here and there, naked and with dirty hairs and skin, the males are addicted and the ladies move towards the Bazars for begging and prostitution. Government must stop being negligent of these 700,000 people and has to provide them with space for housing, basic facilities of life and provide them with employment to sort out their financial problems. INTRODUCTION The Gypsies are one of the most segregated and neglected ethnic groups in all over the world are living a dejected life on the various margins of the globe. In this report the problems and hardships of the gypsies encountered particularly in Lahore will be highlighted. The major issues are improper settlement of gypsies, lack of basic facilities of life for them, lack of education, unemployment and poverty which results in increase in crime rate. The Governments mostly turn their heads from these settlements, regarding them as "lumps" in the body of society. We will discuss different means by which we can over come this problem...

Words: 723 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Fighting Savage Reflections

...find things you never knew…You never knew….” -Pocahontas (Disney, 1995). The films of Walter Disney touched our hearts, and reinforced moral lessons in our homes for years. Pocahontas teaches the life lesson of stereotyping and judging other cultures before you know them. The Romani Gypsy traditional child marriages have been labeled as savage and barbaric by Anglo-Saxon nations. These accusations are a one-sided story without proper understanding of why this tradition was created, or its past bitter sweet benefit to the Romani Gypsies. Anglo-Saxon territories are working with the Romani government to destroy tradition, through law and media. Should these reigning powers interfere with this cultural tradition? The painful answer is no. Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887), an American social reformer and abolitionist, once said, “We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but by the distance they have traveled from the point where they started.” Slavery was the chief cause of the Romani child marriages. For five-hundred years Romani Gypsies suffered enslavement in Romania. These slaves shared many similarities with slaves in United States (US) between 1619 and 1865, (PBS.org). The Gypsies were raped and brutally beaten; young Roma girls were used for sexual enjoyment and bred like livestock. However, Roma parents unearthed a bitter social option, which the American slaves did not have. By wedding their young daughters, consummation would strongly discourage slave owners...

Words: 1039 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Re: Discussion (1)

...lifestyle. If you hear the word gypsy, then likely you imagine a scarved fortune-teller. Or maybe you think of a band of traveling musicians and dancers in colorfully decorated costumes travelling in wagons. The truth about gypsies is, of course, much more complex than a few outdated stereotypes. Because gypsies have been persecuted worldwide for much of their existence, they don't typically trust outsiders and haven't shared much of their story. Gadje is the word that Gypsies use for non-gypsies or outsiders, this translated means "the great unwashed". This seems in some ways racist towards outsiders but in many ways the Gypsy culture has been pressured to feel threatened by people outside of the culture. But today, more gypsies are speaking up so the rest of the world can understand and appreciate their culture. TV shows like "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" also aim to let us take a peek at their contemporary lives. Gypsies have been harassed and persecuted throughout their history of existence, but many people don't know the Turks specifically executed gypsies during World War I, while Hitler wiped out more than 1 million during World War II. During WWII, not only were gypsies killed, they were also subject to medical experiments. Those still alive in concentration camps were often blamed for crimes committed by others. Although society has changed dramatically the history of un-fair treatment still stands as a fear to many members of the Gypsy culture. "Gypsy" derives from Egyptian...

Words: 1381 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Jazz and Jizz

...Jazz and jizz Jazz is a music genre that originated from African American communities of New Orleans in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It emerged in the form of independent traditional and popular musical styles, all linked by the common bonds of African American andEuropean American musical parentage with a performance orientation.[1] Jazz spans a period of over a hundred years, encompassing a very wide range of music, making it difficult to define. Jazz makes heavy use of improvisation, polyrhythms, syncopation and the swing note,[2] as well as aspects of European harmony, American popular music,[3] the brass band tradition, and African musical elements such as blue notes and African-American styles such as ragtime.[1] Although the foundation of jazz is deeply rooted within the black experience of the United States, different cultures have contributed their own experience to the music as well. Intellectuals around the world have hailed jazz as "one of America's original art forms".[4] As jazz spread around the world, it drew on different national, regional, and local musical cultures, which gave rise to many distinctive styles. New Orleans jazz began in the early 1910s, combining earlier brass-band marches, French quadrilles, biguine, ragtime and blues with collectivepolyphonic improvisation. In the 1930s, heavily arranged dance-oriented swing big bands, Kansas City jazz, a hard-swinging, bluesy, improvisational style and Gypsy jazz (a style...

Words: 415 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

George Benson

...Kyle Lorenzetti 4/18/2015 Professor Chevan MUS George Benson George Benson is one of the most popular male jazz guitarists in the United States. In his lifetime, he has received 20 Grammy nominations and has won 10 Grammy awards. George Benson is known for playing his Ibanez guitar and his method of playing, which uses a rest-stroke picking technique, is similar to players of gypsy jazz. His style of playing, tone and melody is incredible. He worked with many of the jazz greats, from Wes Montgomery, Jack McDuff, Miles David, Count Basie Orchestra, Lonnie Smith and Ronnie Cuber. He performed at top places all over the world, and packed them all. His audiences were rich and poor, made up of all races, all religions and all nationalities. In fact, many of them had just one factor in common – they all loved him. George Benson is truly one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. George Benson was born on March 22, 1943, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was raised in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, the eldest son of a family of six children. His mother was an aid at the nearby hospital and the family was very poor. George lived in a house without electricity until he was seven. The Hill District of Pittsburg was filled with jazz talent at the time. There were numerous jazz clubs all over the city and little George was surrounded by the sound. He showed talent at an early age. His parents taught him to sing and at the age of 4, he won a singing contest at a local 4th of July concert...

Words: 2832 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

Philosophy Exam

...NAME__________________________________ STUDENT NUMBER______________________ PHI 1101 H: REASONING AND CRITICAL THINKING 23rd September 2011 First Test: 50 marks worth 10% of final mark Closed Book Professor: Mark Raymond Brown 8:30 am – 9:50 am MNT 202 Please answer each question on the pages of this test. If you need more space for your answer, please use the reverse side of the page. I. Please circle the letter that corresponds to the best answer. Each is worth 1 mark. 1) Subjective relativism is the idea that __________________________. a) Truth is relative to societies. b) Truth depends on what someone believes. c) There is a way the world is. d) Some objective truths are about our subjective states. 2) Social relativism is: a) The idea that truth is relative to societies b) Truth is different for each of us c) Objectively true d) None of the above 3) A group of statements in which some of them (the premises) are intended to support another of them (the conclusion) is known as a(n) _______________. a) chain argument b) claim c) argument d) reason 4) Drawing conclusions about people without sufficient reasons is known as _____________. a) appeal to common practice b) appeal to tradition c) peer pressure d) stereotyping 5) Critical thinking is systematic because it __________________________. a) is caused by...

Words: 1287 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Louis Armstrong

...Louis Armstrong In the early twentieth century, a new style of music was being created in New Orleans. This style of music, known as Jazz, was performed with the audience in mind. It was heavily influenced by ragtime and washboard bands. Jazz is also highly competitive since the musicians wanted to stand out from the rest of the crowd. Their differences were accomplished through the use of timbres, improvisation, and many other characteristic of Jazz. Louis Armstrong’s version of “(What Did I Do to Be So) Black and Blue” illustrates the characteristics of Jazz, is completely unique to his style of preference, and advocates against racial discrimination. Improvisation was the most unique and challenging style utilized in the Jazz era. Musicians used this skill set to differentiate themselves from other artists within their original musical scores along with remakes of other artist’s songs, as no two performances of a song were the same. This is because the musicians literally made up or created the notes they played for their solos during the performance. The top skilled performers of Jazz were defined by their unique ability to create interesting solos with both their vocals and instruments. Louis Armstrong had the ability to use phrasing as a singer to capture syncopations that were prominent in early jazz. Jazz in the 1920’s was a combination of blues, ragtime, swing notes, and other European influences. Armstrong was able to capture the blue note,...

Words: 325 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Now Ever Whenever

...Jevon Tyree Afromusic Response Paper 11/11/13 “Dizzy Response” Jazz has played a major role in the history of society as well as the blue’s which both allowed individuals to succeed in the prejudice discriminative years of the 1900’s. As I was reading in the article “Dizzy Atmosphere”: The challenge of Bepop by Eric Porter, I realized that the history of music and where it has evolved to is somewhat surprising. Artist such as Charlie Parker, Scott DeVeaux, Duke Ellington and John Birks Gillespie aka “Dizzy” all talented African Americans that participated in having a strong persuasive impact on society from the sound and tempo played from their instruments. As I understand, slavery was abolished in the year 1830, and I’m also aware of prejudice movements and racism was lively up to 1960’s or 70’s. To think at the time these young African American men were making moves such as being played on the radio and performing to massive crowds is very impressive. Bebop was the musical language that had a majority of everyone satisfied from what bebop had to offer which included fast tempos, discordant sounds and other different chord transactions that listeners were new to. Most importantly soloing on the frontline instruments became big and allowed artists and musicians to express themselves in a musical manor. “Dizzy” was known for his solos and skills of playing chords on top of chords with the trumpet making up his own sound and tempo. Creating new music came with audiences adapting...

Words: 1131 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Jazz Study Guide

...1 Jazz Music Appreciation I Study Guide Styles: Characteristcs: Blues – Refers to the form of vocal and instrumental music and to the style of performance Ragtime – Dance hall and Saloon Music. Piano music that flourished from the 1890s to about 1915 New Orleans Style – Also known as Dixieland. Played by a small group of 5 to 8 performers Swing – Developed in the 1920’s and flourished from 35 to 45. Big Band era or Swing era. 14 to 15 performers in a swing band. 3 sections, saxophone, brass, rhythm. More composed than other Jazz Bebop – Smaller group of musicians, complex style. Often extremely fast with the beat not marked by the drums. Created to rebel against the swing era. Vocabulary Jazz – Rooted in improvisation and characterized by syncopated rhythm, steady beat and performance techniques. Blues – Ragtime – Call and response – Occurs when a voice is answered by an instrument or when an instrument is answered by another instrument. Chorus – Breaks – Briefs unaccompanied solos Riff – Short repeated phrases played by the saxophone and brass during the swing era Head – Rhythm section – The backbone of the jazz ensemble. Usually made up of piano, plucked double bass, percussion and banjo/guitar. Front line – Melodic Instruments – Cornet, clarinet and trombone. Main source of improvisation. Performers/Composers Scott Joplin – King of Ragtime. Famous composer and pianist. Known for maple leaf rag...

Words: 294 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Perception of Screamo Music to the Spiriual Side of Youth

...ABSTRACT Title: PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF SCREAMO MUSIC TO THE SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT OF THE STIGMATINE YOUTH MOVEMENT MEMBERS Author: JOHN LERY MAAMBONG ANASTACIO Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication School Year: 2009 – 2010 Rationale This study aims to know the significant relationship of the profile of the respondents and the perceived effects of screamo music to the spiritual enrichment of the Stigmatine Youth Movement (SYM) Statement of the problem This study Is to determine the perceived effects of screamo music on the spiritual enrichment of the Stigmatine Youth Movement (SYM). This seeks to answer the following questions: 1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of 1.1. Age 1.2. Gender 1.3. Length of membership in Stigmatine Youth Movement (SYM) 1.4. Length of exposure to Screamo Music 2. What are the effects of Screamo music as perceived by the Stigmatine Youth Movement (SYM) in the apostolate? 3. Is there a significant relationship between the profile of the respondents and the perceived effects of screamo music to the spiritual enrichment of the Stigmatine Youth Movement (SYM)? Methodology A descriptive survey research was used in this study. Descriptive research involves collection of data in order to test hypothesis or to answer questions concerning the current status of the subject of the study. The descriptive research has no...

Words: 12340 - Pages: 50

Premium Essay

1920's Music

...sounds that could be heard during the 1920s. The Jazz Age incorporated more than just jazz, with blues booming, ballads and ragtime filling the air, and show tunes enrapturing audiences on and off the stage, the 1920s were alive with all kinds of music. The 1920s brought significant changes to music in America with new musicians, styles, and innovations, all of which would influence music around the world for years to come. Jazz music was a significant source of music in the 1920s, a style which originated in New Orleans and had spread throughout the country by the 1920s. Large cities such as Chicago, and New York City become epicenters for jazz music. People of all backgrounds embraced the music which would become synonymous with the time period becoming known as the Jazz Age, named by author F. Scott Fitzgerald (Bruccoli ix). Jazz music was characterized mainly by syncopation and improvisation along with techniques to alter the sound of instruments such as mutes and slides, and the overall swing feel of the music (Tyle). An abundance of jazz musicians became well known for their various techniques, styles, and the instruments they played. Louis Armstrong was one of the most influential jazz Bellingeri 2 musicians of the 1920s. Hailing from New Orleans, the hub of jazz music, he would become a legacy for the Jazz Age with his trumpet and voice bringing jazz to life. Leon “Bix” Beiderbecke was another great trumpeter and jazz musician of the 1920s. He never learned to read...

Words: 1097 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

One Night with Blue Note

...based on a jazz concert performed at The Town Hall in New York City on February 22, 1985. This film brings together some of the jazz legends associated with Blue Note over the years as well as some newly signed artists. The concert introduces more than 30 of the world’s most revered jazz musicians in the form of all-star bands and is considered by many to be one of the most important nights in jazz history. Some of the great jazz musicians we heard were Freddie Hubbard, Jackie McLean, Jimmy Smith, Woody Shaw, Walter Davis Jr., Michel Petrucciani Art Blakey, Stanley Turrentine, Joe Henderson, Grover Washington, Jr., and Tony Williams. My favorite artist in the film was Michel Petrucciani. He is not only a great talented pianist but an inspiration as well. Michel Petrucciani was born with osteogenesis imperfecta which is a genetic disease that causes brittle bones and short stature. He still became one of the most accomplished jazz pianists of his generation, despite having arms which caused him pain. I believe that he teaches us that anything is possible with hard work and dedication no matter how hard things may seem. Although I am not a big music fan, I feel this concert was worthwhile watching as well as listening too. At the end I am glad I watched this film because it allowed me to be more open minded to music and the different styles and forms. These people and countless more, and innumerable more influences on the music scene that it is owed gratitude that jazz has become...

Words: 289 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Lester Willis Young

...Evan Brock 04/05/2013 Lester Young Lester Willis Young (August 27, 1909 – March 15, 1959), nicknamed "Pres" or "Prez", was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and clarinetist. He also played trumpet, violin, and drums. Coming to prominence while a member of Count Basie's orchestra, Young was one of the most influential players on his instrument. He played with a cool tone and used sophisticated harmonies, using "a free-floating style, wheeling and diving like a gull, banking with low, funky riffs that pleased dancers and listeners alike". Famous for his hip, introverted style, he invented or popularized much of the hipster ethos which came to be associated with the music. Lester Young was born in Woodville, Mississippi, and grew up in a musical family. His father, Willis Handy Young, was a respected teacher, his brother Lee Young was a drummer, and several other relatives played music professionally. His family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, when Lester was an infant and later to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Although at a very young age Young did not initially know his father, he learned that his father was a musician. Later Willis taught his son to play the trumpet, violin, and drums in addition to the saxophone. Lester Young played in his family's band, known as the Young Family Band, in both the vaudeville and carnival circuits. He left the family band in 1927 at the age of 18 because he refused to tour in the Southern United States, where Jim Crow laws were in effect and racial...

Words: 1940 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

The Role of Joseph William Feliciano Smith in the Evolution of Rock Music in the Philippines

...CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Rock Music in the Philippines is performance arts composed in various genre and styles. The rock music of the Philippines is a mixture of indigenous foreign countries. The United States occupied the Islands in 1898 until 1946, and introduced American blues folk music, Rock &Blues, and rock and roll became popular. In the late 1950s, native performers adapted Tagalog lyrics for North American rock and roll music, resulting in the seminal origins of Philippine rock. The most notable achievement in Philippine rock of the 1960s was the hit song "Killer Joe," which propelled the group "Rocky Fellers" which reached number sixteen on the American radio charts. Up until the 1970s, popular rock musicians began writing and producing in English. In the early 1970s, rock music began to be written using local languages, with bands like the Juan Dela Cruz Band being among the first popular bands to do so. Mixing tagalog, and English lyrics. Background of the Study Joseph William Feliciano Smith born on December 25, 1947 is a Filipino singer-songwriter, drummer, and guitarist. More commonly known alternately as Joey Smith or Pepe Smith, he is an icon of original Filipino rock music or "Pinoy Rock". His father, Edgar William Smith, was a United States Airforce, and his mother, Conchita Feliciano, was from Angeles, Pampanga, where the huge Clark Air Force base was located. Joey spent his first years in Angeles, often visiting...

Words: 12257 - Pages: 50