Jazz dance music is a genre that has been around for many years and has evolved over time. It is a style of music that is characterized by its upbeat tempo, syncopated rhythms, and improvisational elements. If you're new to jazz dance music, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most popular and influential jazz dance music and why you should be listening to it.
1. Early Jazz
Early jazz music is characterized by its use of brass instruments, such as trumpets and trombones, as well as its syncopated rhythms. Some of the most influential early jazz musicians include Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Sidney Bechet. Listening to early jazz music will give you a good understanding of the roots of jazz dance music and the foundation upon which it was built.
2. Swing Era
The swing era, which took place in the 1930s and 1940s, is known for its upbeat tempo and danceable tunes. Some of the most popular swing bands of this era include Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller. Listening to swing music will give you a good understanding of the danceable and energetic nature of jazz dance music.
3. Bebop
Bebop is a style of jazz that emerged in the 1940s and is characterized by its fast tempo, complex harmonies, and improvisational elements. Some of the most influential bebop musicians include Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk. Listening to bebop music will give you a good understanding of the technical and improvisational aspects of jazz dance music.
4. Modern Jazz
Modern jazz, which emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, is characterized by its use of electronic instruments and a more experimental approach to music. Some of the most influential modern jazz musicians include Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Weather Report. Listening to modern jazz music will give you a good understanding of the evolution of jazz dance music and the different directions it can take.
5. Contemporary Jazz
Contemporary jazz is a genre that is still evolving today. It is characterized by its fusion of different styles of music, such as R&B, funk, and hip-hop. Some of the most popular contemporary jazz musicians include Robert Glasper, Kamasi Washington, and Snarky Puppy. Listening to contemporary jazz music will give you a good understanding of the current state of jazz dance music and the new directions it is taking.
Overall, listening to a variety of jazz dance music will give you a good understanding of the genre and its evolution over time. It will also help you to develop your own personal taste and style when it comes to jazz dance music.
