The Evolution of Jazz and Blues

These flashcards cover key musicians, terms, and concepts associated with the evolution of Jazz and Blues.

W.C. Handy

Known as the 'Father of the Blues', he was the first to write down the Blues and helped bring it to the mainstream.

St. Louis Blues

A groundbreaking song published by W.C. Handy in 1914 that popularized Blues and bridged it into the mainstream.

B.B. King

An influential Blues musician known for his emotive playing style and sophisticated guitar techniques.

Swing

A jazz style that emerged in the late 1920s, characterized by its large orchestras and structured arrangements.

Bebop

A complex style of jazz developed in the 1940s known for fast tempos and virtuosic improvisation.

12-bar blues

A common chord progression in Blues music that serves as a harmonic foundation for many jazz pieces.

Duke Ellington

A pivotal figure in the development of Swing and Big Band jazz, famous for pieces like 'Take the A Train'.

Ragtime

A precursor to Jazz that contributed to its development, characterized by its syncopated rhythm.

Jazz origins

Born in New Orleans, Jazz combines African traditions, Creole culture, and European influences.

Blues harmony

The harmonic structure of Blues, which forms the basis of jazz harmony.

What does B.B King Stand For?

Blues Boy King

How did Blues become jazz?

12 bar blues progression → blues harmony I-IV-V → blues notes became a core jazz sound → Improvisation expanded → Kept blues framework but added 7ths, 9ths, 13ths, reharmonized the progression, substitutions and passing chords

What are the 3 core musical elements that make up jazz?

1. Blues = the emotional and tonal language 2. Ragtime = the rhythmic structure 3. Brass bands = the instrumentation

What kind of instruments were in big band swings?

Saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, bass, guitar, drums

Who is Billy Strayhorn

classically trained pianist, arranger and composer for Duke’s band. Wrote suites, tone poems, ballets and sacred music together

Why did Swing jazz begin to decline

By mid 1940s, swing began to decline due to issues like world war II economics, recording bands, change in musical taste

Who were the key innovators of Bepop

Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk

Why did Bepop take over swing?

• WWII costs — big bands too expensive

• Recording ban — fewer jazz recordings

• Military draft — musicians left for war

• Artistic freedom — youth wanted new styles

• Listening music — less dance, more skill