A Brief History of Jazz:
Jazz is an original American style of music that sprung up in New Orleans at the beginning of the 20th century. It is the combination of blues, ragtime, spirituals, and marches. Some of the characteristics of jazz are uneven eighth notes, improvisation, and complex harmonies. Like other styles of music there are sub-categories of Jazz:
Learning to Play Jazz:
While playing in class we focus in on playing big band charts and working on improvisation, but learning tunes in the standard repertoire can be one of the best ways to learn to play style, feel, and musical language. The list below is a good place to start when learning tunes. Click the link below and explore how I suggest getting started learning tunes.
Jazz Tunes to Learn
Traditional New Orleans Jazz: Jazz Standards:
St Jame Infirmary Autumn Leaves
When the Saints Go Marching In All of Me
Take the A Train
Blues Jazz Heads:
C Jam Blues Latin Standards:
Bag's Groove Blue Bossa
Sonnymoon for Two Girl from Ipanema