Jazz -- Born in America and Spreading

Jazz is many things to many people, but ultimately it remains one thing: an original American art form. In other words, jazz embodies some important American ideals, such as individualism and freedom. For instance, improvisation, one of the distinguishing hallmarks of jazz, allows the jazz soloist to step into the spotlight, improvise musically, and express himself freely. Perhaps to us this may seem trite and commonplace. However, in this week's readings you will explore the story of German youths during the Nazi era who embraced swing jazz and the values of free expression, but were persecuted for these indulgences. Freedom and self expression, which America cherishes, are attributes that some cultures reject (for instance, the Islamic fundamentalist movement of today wants little to do with these ideals).

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Early and Modern Jazz

Jazz began around 1915 and has evolved through numerous stages and styles, including Dixieland, big bands (which you will read about this week), bebop and others. The entire history of jazz can be divided into two major periods: early jazz and modern jazz. Early jazz begins with the inception of jazz and continues through the early and mid 1940s; the time when the big bands began to wane. At this time, modern jazz enters the picture and continues to our day.

There are some important distinctions between early jazz and modern jazz. First, early jazz, especially big bands, reached the mass American popular audience. Benny Goodman, an important jazz clarinetist of the big band period, became an idol to adoring fans, much like a rock star of today. Second, big bands provided entertainment for dancers. Many of the tunes written during the big band period were lyrical in nature, something a listener wanted to memorize and hear over and over again. A variety of dance styles evolved during the big band period, some of which were very acrobatic and developed into highly skilled choreographies, as you will see in some of the clips from the documentary and those posted in BB. In summary, big bands were fun music and entertainment that swept America by storm for over a decade.

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The Decline of Big Bands and the Development of Modern Jazz Styles

However, by the early 1940s when WWII waged along in Europe, America back home felt the pinch of gas rationing, little extra money for entertainment and so forth. Consequently, big bands went on the decline. At that time a select few jazz musicians gathered in small bars and played all night jam sessions, developing an advanced albeit very abstract style of improvisation. These experiments eventually formed the basis of a new style that writers termed bebop jazz. Unlike big band jazz, bebop remained an abstract musical expression, that players considered more as art than entertainment. In other words, they did not play for dancers, instead honing and displaying their improvisational skills before small audiences that could appreciate and understand their intent. The rhythms of bebop were too fast for dancers, the melodies too abstract to memorize and sing, and the chords of the harmony often too dissonant for the average listener to appreciate. Hence, modern jazz lost popular appeal and became an underground movement. Today, with the exception of a few jazz artists, such as Kenny G (if one dares call him a jazz player), jazz remains relatively obscure.