Jazz - Elite Sound Studio

Jazz music originated in New Orleans from the African American communities during the late 19th and early 20th century. Jazz is heavily inspired by the African American experiences in the United States. As jazz spread around the world, different cultures contributed to jazz with their own experiences and style. Jazz is one of America’s original art forms.

Jazz music is usually instrumental, but some jazz bands use vocalists as well. Instruments such as the piano, bass, drums, and various types of horns are used. Jazz spans a period of over a hundred years, creating a wide range of subgenres of jazz. Some subgenres of jazz are bossa nova, west coast jazz, hard bop, latin jazz, bebop, and many more. Saxophonists, Stan Getz, was popular during the bossa nova era. Bossa nova is probably known as the signature pop music of Brazil. “The Girl from Impanema ,” featuring Astrud and Joao Gilberto, was Stan Getz biggest seller. Jazz guitarist, Kenny Burrell, adapted the melodic style of bebop (fast tempo style of jazz). Horace Silver's hard bop (influenced from rhythm and blues, gospel music, saxophone and piano playing) style had a great impact on the contemporary mainstream of jazz. Lee Morgan was one of hard bop's greatest trumpeters , and indeed one of the finest of the ’60s. A calmer style than hard bop is West Coast jazz . American jazz artist, Dave Brubeck, was popular when the cooler sounds of West Coast jazz began to rise. Tito Puente is probably the most beloved symbol of Latin jazz (influenced by salsa and merengue).

Louis Armstrong was the first important soloist to emerge in jazz, and he became the most influential musician in the music’s history. Oscar Pettiford was the first major jazz soloist on the cello. One of the giants of the jazz piano, Bud Powell , changed virtually how all post-swing pianist play their instruments.

Some of my favorite styles of jazz are bossa nova, west coast jazz, hard bop, latin jazz, soul jazz, and bebop. Stan Getz with his bossa nova (Brazilian melodic samba-like genre) style hits the top of my list for jazz musicians. He became the most popular of jazzmen, having the most beautiful tones ever heard. Stan Getz was known as “The Sound.” Sit back, relax, and listen to some good old jazz. Here are some of my all-time jazz favorites.