Unless you’re a true fan of Dixieland jazz, you might not be aware of the impact that jazz has had on the industry.
Having been a style of music since the 1920s, Jazz went from being an unusual tune to being a whole genre in itself, a technique that gave birth to multiple sub-genres and made way for numerous talented musicians across the world.
So to give you a bit of insight into all that jazz is, we decided to note down a few facts about it, to educate our readers on the little details of jazz and how it became one of the most beloved genres in music.
Facts about Dixieland Jazz
- Dixieland Jazz might be considered a subgenre now, but the style of jazz actually got its name from a band. The ‘Original Dixieland Jazz Band’ was the first band to make a commercial jazz recording in 1917. It was their unique style that eventually became known as a musical genre.
- Jazz wasn’t always a title given to a style of music. In 1912, jazz was a slang word, used to denote excitement or energy. In 1913, it started being used to denote babble or nonsense.
- People eventually lost interest in Jazz for some time. It was only around the 1940s and 50s that the Jazz Revival Movement helped develop Dixieland Jazz, and gave way for certain subgenres.
- Jazz – especially Dixieland Jazz – has certain staple elements. One instrument, mostly the trumpet, is used to make a melody, which the other instruments in the front line improvise around. Other instruments can be added to the ensemble, but that might move the music into another genre.
- Even in Dixieland Jazz, there are several forms of music, influenced by music styles in different cities and areas, such as Chicago style, Dutch ‘Old style jazz’ and the style mainly played by musicians during the West Coast Revival.
- Contrary to popular belief, hot jazz isn’t the same as Dixieland jazz. It’s a blend of blues, brass band marches and ragtime jazz.
- Dixieland Jazz Bands in the 1900s – aside from dances and parties – would also play for funerals, marching alongside the procession. This was meant to signify the celebration of the departed’s life.
- Early Jazz didn’t have solos. Louis Armstrong is the one of the firsts who started incorporating solos in his set.
- Although the first jazz band was an all-white group, most of the early jazz musicians, especially Dixieland jazz musicians, were African American.
- Want to listen to some classic tracks? Click here!
Listen to Some Classic Dixieland Jazz
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