Early Swing Jazz

Essay text:

Notes Description Form of jazz music that developed into the 1920s and was popularized from the 1930s to the 1940s Distinctive style of music in the US Distinguished by: o Strong rhythm (with double bass and drums) o Medium to fast tempo (varying) o Swing time rhythm (notes are augmented or diminished for effect, repetition). o Big band dance music Origins/History First recordings labelled ?§swing style?? dates back to the 1920s in the US and the United Kingdom Evolved out of experimentation primarily in New Orleans Developed further in cities such as Kansas City and New York City and gained popularity In the 1930s, bands (vocal and/or instrumental) were formed and were much more crowded than other jazz bands (consisted of more than 16 people) Bands were made larger due to no amplifiers at the time (making it louder) Less soloists meant less chaos (for more harmonic within the band) Bands usually have one soloist, other members playing support Bands focused on improvisation and instrumental ability Led to creative and energetic dancing with black people (now known as swing dance) Was popular with white population (America was prejudiced/raciest at the time) Paved a path of social respectability for black people With the start and close of World War II, bands didn?¦t have much financial support because of extra taxes/money needed for the war and popularity decreased People were focused on the war, not music during the 1940s Some members of bands were drafted into WWII, making some bands extinct Was revived during the 1990s with renewed interest in swing Bands focuses on rehearsed pieces, not improvising Popularity on the decline with rap, hip-hop, pop, R&B, etc...