2.2 Transition from ragtime to early jazz
2 min read•july 25, 2024
's syncopated rhythms and piano-based compositions laid the foundation for early jazz. As African American musical traditions blended with ' diverse landscape, a unique fusion emerged, shifting from composed to improvised music and incorporating blues elements.
Pioneering musicians like and bridged the gap between ragtime and jazz. The spread jazz northward, while innovative performers like and advanced the genre with new techniques and styles.
The Evolution from Ragtime to Early Jazz
Evolution of ragtime to jazz
Top images from around the web for Evolution of ragtime to jazz
Ragtime - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Ragtime | King & Carter Jazzing Orchestra Houston, Texas | Daniel Wernëck | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1920s in jazz - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Ragtime - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Ragtime | King & Carter Jazzing Orchestra Houston, Texas | Daniel Wernëck | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Evolution of ragtime to jazz
Ragtime - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Ragtime | King & Carter Jazzing Orchestra Houston, Texas | Daniel Wernëck | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1920s in jazz - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Ragtime - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Ragtime | King & Carter Jazzing Orchestra Houston, Texas | Daniel Wernëck | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Ragtime's influence on early jazz shaped syncopated rhythms and piano-based compositions evolved into more complex structures
- Cultural factors blended African American musical traditions with New Orleans' diverse musical landscape creating a unique fusion
- Musical innovations shifted from composed to improvised music and incorporated blues elements expanding expressive possibilities
- Technological advancements like and radio spread led to wider dissemination and popularity of the emerging jazz style
African American influence on jazz
- Pioneering musicians Scott Joplin (ragtime composer) and Jelly Roll Morton bridged ragtime and jazz developing new stylistic approaches
- New Orleans' musical scene fostered early jazz cornetist and who mentored Louis Armstrong shaping the genre's sound
- Great Migration impacted music dissemination as musicians moved north establishing Chicago as a new jazz hub expanding its reach
- Innovative performance styles emerged with Louis Armstrong's improvisational techniques and Sidney Bechet's mastery advancing the genre
Musical and Social Context of Early Jazz
Musical elements of early jazz
- Improvisation evolved from in early New Orleans jazz to solo improvisation development allowing for individual expression
- Rhythmic innovations introduced deviating from strict ragtime rhythm and incorporated in ensemble playing adding complexity
- Instrumentation changes shifted from solo piano to ensemble format highlighting brass and creating a fuller sound
- Harmonic developments utilized and expanding the tonal palette of jazz
Social context for jazz emergence
- Cultural melting pot of New Orleans blended French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences with Creole musical traditions creating a unique musical environment
- Post-Civil War era brought emancipation and new opportunities for African American musicians fostering growth of African American middle class
- Entertainment venues like district in New Orleans and emergence of dance halls and nightclubs provided performance spaces for jazz musicians
- saw speakeasies become new performance spaces associating jazz with counterculture and rebellion
- Technological and economic factors including rise of the recording industry and increased access to musical instruments facilitated jazz's spread and development
Key Terms to Review (23)
Blue notes: Blue notes are specific musical notes that are played at a slightly lower pitch than the major scale, commonly used in jazz and blues to create a sense of expressiveness and emotional depth. These notes typically occur on the third, fifth, and seventh degrees of the scale, contributing to the unique sound that distinguishes jazz from other genres.
Blues influence: Blues influence refers to the impact of the blues genre, characterized by its expressive melodies and emotional depth, on various musical styles, particularly jazz. This influence can be seen in the use of blue notes, the call-and-response structure, and improvisational elements that jazz musicians adopted from blues. The interplay between blues and jazz shaped the evolution of early jazz and the hard bop movement, where artists infused their compositions with the emotional and stylistic nuances of the blues.
Brass instruments: Brass instruments are musical instruments made of brass or other metals that produce sound through the vibration of air in a tubular structure. They are characterized by their powerful, resonant tone and are often used in jazz to provide both melodic and harmonic support. Their unique timbre, combined with techniques like mutes and improvisation, contributes significantly to the overall sound and expression found in jazz music.
Buddy Bolden: Buddy Bolden was a pioneering cornet player and bandleader often credited with being one of the first musicians to develop the distinctive style of jazz in the early 20th century. His innovative approach to music, characterized by a powerful, emotive sound and improvisational style, laid the groundwork for future jazz musicians and played a crucial role in the genre's origins.
Collective improvisation: Collective improvisation is a style in jazz where multiple musicians simultaneously create spontaneous melodies and harmonies, blending their individual ideas into a cohesive performance. This approach emphasizes group dynamics, allowing musicians to interact and respond to one another in real time, rather than adhering strictly to a predetermined arrangement.
Extended chord structures: Extended chord structures refer to chords that include additional tones beyond the basic triad, often incorporating the seventh, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth degrees. This richer harmonic palette allowed early jazz musicians to create more complex and colorful sounds, bridging the gap between the rhythmic precision of ragtime and the improvisational freedom of early jazz.
Great Migration: The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of over six million African Americans from the rural Southern United States to urban areas in the North and West between 1916 and 1970. This migration significantly influenced the cultural landscape of America, especially in the development of jazz and its spread across various cities.
Jelly Roll Morton: Jelly Roll Morton was a pioneering African American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, often recognized as one of the first major figures in jazz history. He played a crucial role in the transition from ragtime to early jazz, especially through his innovative use of rhythm and improvisation, which helped shape the New Orleans jazz scene and influence future generations of musicians.
King Oliver: King Oliver was a pivotal cornet player and bandleader in early jazz, known for his innovative playing style and significant contributions to the genre's development in the early 20th century. He is most recognized for leading the Creole Jazz Band, which showcased the improvisational qualities of jazz and laid the groundwork for later musicians, including Louis Armstrong. His influence can be seen in the transition from ragtime to jazz, as well as the migration of jazz from New Orleans to Chicago.
Louis Armstrong: Louis Armstrong was a groundbreaking jazz musician and vocalist, known for his virtuosic trumpet playing and distinctive gravelly voice. He played a crucial role in shaping jazz music as both a performer and an influential figure, helping to transition jazz from ensemble-focused music to a genre that celebrated the soloist's creativity and improvisation.
New Orleans: New Orleans is a vibrant city in Louisiana known as the birthplace of jazz, a genre that emerged in the early 20th century. This city became a melting pot of cultures, blending African, French, Spanish, and Creole influences, which played a crucial role in shaping the distinct characteristics of jazz music. The lively atmosphere of New Orleans, along with its unique social structures and musical traditions, laid the foundation for the development of jazz as a recognized art form.
Okeh Records: Okeh Records was a prominent American record label founded in 1918, known for its early recordings of jazz and blues music. The label played a vital role in the transition from ragtime to early jazz, promoting pioneering musicians and helping to disseminate their music, particularly during the Great Migration when jazz moved from New Orleans to Chicago.
Phonograph Recordings: Phonograph recordings are the earliest forms of sound recording that captured audio on a medium, allowing music and voices to be reproduced and played back. This technology was pivotal in transitioning from ragtime to early jazz by providing a means to document and disseminate musical performances, thus shaping popular music culture in the early 20th century. The ability to record and reproduce sound not only preserved the vibrant musical styles of the time but also expanded their reach beyond local audiences.
Polyrhythms: Polyrhythms are musical textures that involve the simultaneous combination of contrasting rhythms, typically where two or more different rhythms are played together. This complex layering of rhythms creates a rich and dynamic sound, influencing various music styles and showcasing the rhythmic diversity found in different cultural traditions.
Prohibition Era: The Prohibition Era refers to the period in the United States from 1920 to 1933 when the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were constitutionally outlawed by the 18th Amendment. This period was marked by a rise in organized crime, the establishment of speakeasies, and a significant cultural shift, all of which influenced the transition from ragtime to early jazz. Jazz music flourished during this time as it became a soundtrack for nightlife in underground clubs, reflecting the rebellious spirit of the era.
Ragtime: Ragtime is a musical genre that originated in the late 19th century, characterized by its syncopated rhythms and a lively, upbeat style. It represents a fusion of African American musical traditions with European forms, especially in terms of structure and instrumentation, playing a crucial role in the development of jazz and influencing various early American music styles.
Scott Joplin: Scott Joplin was an influential African American composer and pianist, often referred to as the 'King of Ragtime.' He played a crucial role in popularizing ragtime music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which is characterized by its syncopated rhythms and lively melodies. His work not only showcased the musical potential of ragtime but also set the stage for the transition to early jazz, influencing future generations of musicians.
Sidney Bechet: Sidney Bechet was an influential American jazz musician and composer, recognized as one of the first important soloists in jazz history. His mastery of the clarinet and soprano saxophone helped shape the sound of early jazz, making him a key figure during the transition from ragtime to jazz and in the New Orleans music scene. Bechet's vibrant style and improvisational skills paved the way for future jazz musicians and ensembles, establishing a foundation for collective improvisation.
Soprano saxophone: The soprano saxophone is a member of the saxophone family, pitched in the key of B♭, and known for its straight shape and bright, penetrating sound. It played a crucial role in the transition from ragtime to early jazz, offering musicians a new voice that enhanced the expressive capabilities of jazz ensembles during this vibrant era.
Storyville: Storyville was a red-light district in New Orleans established in 1897, known for its vibrant nightlife and music scene that played a crucial role in the development of early jazz. This area became a cultural melting pot, attracting musicians, artists, and visitors from various backgrounds, fostering an environment where different musical styles could blend and evolve. The lively atmosphere of Storyville provided fertile ground for the transition from ragtime to jazz, as musicians performed in clubs and bars, creating a unique sound that would influence the genre's future.
Swing feel: Swing feel is a rhythmic characteristic in jazz that emphasizes a relaxed, laid-back groove, where notes are played with a bounce or lilt, often resulting in an uneven division of beats. This feel allows for greater expressiveness and syncopation, making the music more dynamic and engaging. It connects deeply with various musical traditions and developments in jazz, enhancing the interplay between rhythm and improvisation.
Syncopation: Syncopation is a rhythmic concept where emphasis is placed on beats or parts of beats that are typically unaccented, creating an unexpected or off-beat feeling. This technique adds excitement and complexity to music, helping to define various styles and movements throughout its evolution.
Woodwind instruments: Woodwind instruments are a family of musical instruments that produce sound when air is blown through them, using either a reed or an opening. These instruments are characterized by their wooden or metal construction and typically include clarinets, flutes, oboes, and saxophones. In the transition from ragtime to early jazz, woodwind instruments played a vital role in shaping the genre's sound and expression.