Jazz In The 1920's
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Jazz Music In the 1920's
Jazz music may have it's roots in the late 1800's but it's the 1920's that are commonly referred to as "The Jazz Age". It was a time when technology such as radio and records carried the music of Jazz bands into homes all around the world. The Jazz artists who would become legends in later years were just starting their careers and experimenting with new sounds. Jazz clubs and music halls were appearing all over America and in other countries.
Jazz music in the 1920's was a major player in a rapidly changing world. Fashions were changing and becoming more risque. Around the world stock markets were booming. The role of women in society was changing. Spreading rapidly from the southern states of America, Jazz was setting the scene for what would become the Roaring 20's.
Jazz music in the 1920's was a major player in a rapidly changing world. Fashions were changing and becoming more risque. Around the world stock markets were booming. The role of women in society was changing. Spreading rapidly from the southern states of America, Jazz was setting the scene for what would become the Roaring 20's.
King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band
Joe "King" Oliver was an accomplished cornet player who started his music career with Jazz bands in the New Orleans area. He was a pioneer of the use of mutes which he used often in his unique style of playing. He was co-leader of a band along with Kid Ory in the 1910's which was widely regarded as the hottest band in New Orleans. After touring California, Oliver relocated to Chicago where he was nicknamed the "king of jazz" in 1922.
It was in Chicago that he formed the "King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band". Their recordings in 1923 helped to spread their dixiland sound to a wider audience. Most members of this band later went on to be major artists in their own right with Johnny Dodds and Louis Armstrong probably the most notable.
King Oliver on iTunes
| Track | Artist | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dippermouth Blues | King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band | Louis Armstrong and King Oliver | |
| Chimes Blues | King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band | Louis Armstrong and King Oliver | |
| West End Blues | King Oliver | King Oliver and His Orchestra 1929-1930 | |
| Sugar Foot Stomp | King Oliver | Black Legends of Jazz (Box Set) | |
| Someday Sweetheart | King Oliver | I'll Still Be King |
Duke Ellington Orchestra
Edward Kennedy Ellington grew up and started his jazz career in the Washington DC area. He was called "Duke" by his friends due to his dapper dress style and elegant manner. Although he had some piano lessons in his early youth he was more interested in baseball than playing the piano. This began to change from the age of 14 when his passion for music began to develop while listening to pool hall piano players.
He began to listen to and imitate ragtime piano players, not learning to read sheet music until several years later. While developing his own style, he took advice from several Jazz greats, including Fats Waller, James P Johnson and Will Marion Cook. Ellington launched his music career in 1917, becoming a talented band leader and one of the most influential artists in recording history.
Duke Ellington on iTunes
| Track | Artist | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|
| East St. Louis Toodle-Oo | Duke Ellington And His Kentucky Club Orchestra | The Best of Early Ellington | |
| Solitude (78rpm Version) | Duke Ellington and His Orchestra | The War (The Soundtrack) | |
| So Little Time | Duke Ellington and His Orchestra | Bedtime Beats: The Secret to Sleep - Tranquil Seductions One Jazz Beat At a Time (Remastered) | |
| It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) | Duke Ellington | The Duke: The Columbia Years (1927-1962) | |
| The Mooche | Duke Ellington | Best of Duke Ellington | |
| Black and Tan Fantasy | Duke Ellington | Best of Duke Ellington |
Bessie Smith
Bessie Smith is regarded as one of the most talented singers of her day. From her humble beginnings she rose to be be the highest paid black artist of her time. Along with Louis Armstrong she is credited with being a major influence on future Jazz vocalists.
Bessie was born into a poor family in Tennesee in 1894. Both her parents died before she reached the age of 9 and she was then raised by her older sister. She and her brother Andrew took up busking on the streets of Chattanooga to raise a little extra money for her family.
In 1912 she was hired by the Moses Stokes troupe as a dancer. The troupe already had a star vocalist in Ma Rainey. Athough Rainey didn't need to teach Bessie to sing, she helped develop her stage prescence. By the 1920's Bessie had appeared in a Broadway musical. She was first recorded by Columbia Records in 1923 and had a major hit with her first release.
Bessie Smith on iTunes
| Track | Artist | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out | Bessie Smith | The Essential Bessie Smith | |
| A Good Man Is Hard to Find | Bessie Smith | The Essential Bessie Smith | |
| Backwater Blues | Bessie Smith | Greatest Hits | |
| Baby Won't You Please Come Home | Bessie Smith | Greatest Hits | |
| 'Tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do | Bessie Smith | The Essential Bessie Smith |
Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong is well re-knowned for both his skill with the trumpet and his unique vocals. His influence resulted in a major shift in Jazz music performances, from collective improvisation to long solo performances. He was a true master of his craft during a career that spanned over 50 years.
Like many of the other Jazz legends of the time, Armstrong performed with several other bands before coming to prominence in his own right in the early 1920's. His mentor, King Oliver invited him to join his band in Chicago in 1922. He made his first recordings with Oliver in 1923.
Like many of the other Jazz legends of the time, Armstrong performed with several other bands before coming to prominence in his own right in the early 1920's. His mentor, King Oliver invited him to join his band in Chicago in 1922. He made his first recordings with Oliver in 1923.
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Lay it on me!
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sheilamarie May 12, 2010 @ 10:39 pm | delete
- I love your lens! You've included so much good history of jazz. I came here because you're listed as a "related page" to my "neworleansvisit2010." I'm a newbie. Please come visit!
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