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Introduction of Jazz Music
Jazz is a genre of music that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, United States, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by its use of improvisation, complex harmonic structures, and a wide range of musical influences, including blues, gospel, and European classical music. Jazz is known for its swing rhythm, which is created by the use of syncopated rhythms and a strong pulse. It is often played by small ensembles, such as a quintet or sextet, and is known for its ability to adapt to a wide range of musical contexts and styles. Jazz has had a significant influence on many other genres of music, and has been an important part of the cultural fabric of the United States and the rest of the world for more than a century.
Jazz by Nagamag Playlist on Spotify
Recent Jazz Interviews
Anton Commissaris Interview on Nagamag
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Nagamag:
Which are the genres that describe your music style better?
Anton Commissaris:
Jazz - vocal, with notes of blues, soul, rhythm and blues, and gospel styles.
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Anton Commissaris:
I am a Jazz composer, pianist, and vocalist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I released my first EP - On A Bright Note - in February 2021. I have a new single - Lonely Bay - released on September 24, 2021, and a second EP - Out of the Blue - coming out in October 2021.
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Anton Commissaris:
I had heard music on the radio but the first time I felt a true connection was when at about 9 years old, I listened to an album by Joe Cocker - With a Little Help from My Friends. Cocker's voice was raw, bluesy, and powerfully emotional. It struck a chord with me. Intrigued, I began to play the record over and over. Two songs, in particular, stood out for me - the title track - With a Little Help from My Friends - and - She Came in Through the Bathroom Window. I didn't realize it at the time, but these were both Lennon-McCartney covers. I would later become a huge Beatles fan, impressed particularly by the fact that they composed, played, and sung their own music.
Nagamag:
How did you become a fan of Jazz music?
Anton Commissaris:
My mother was into Jazz music and she played a lot of records that I picked up on when I was young. When I was learning the piano at an early age, she also had Jazz sheet music laying around that I would learn how to play. I remember, in particular, being impressed by - Smoke Gets in Your Eyes. During my college years, I picked up on Frank Sinatra and many of the other great singers of the American Song Book. As an alternative to all the other standard pop music of the day, we would play this at parties and have a lot of fun, while others were somewhat confused by our retro tastes. Then after, playing classical piano for a number of years, I drifted back into Jazz and fell in love with that style of music all over again.
Nagamag:
Many artists listen to genres that they are not producing music for. Which track is your favorite that is NOT similar to yours?
Anton Commissaris:
The Beatles "For No One"
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which is the track from a similar artist you admire?
Anton Commissaris:
Sarah Vaughan "Misty"
Soto Interview on Nagamag.com
Soto
Interview
Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?
Soto:
Jazz, R&B, Funk, Soul, Neo-Soul, Hip-hop. New to the UK Jazz scene, Soto is a trio born out of Brighton with a foot in the doors of Jazz, R&B, Funk & Soul. Blending intricate rhythms and unique melodies, their feel is both a tribute to the scene, and something new altogether.
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Soto:
Soto aim to make their audiences smile and groove with their work; something which undeniably helps this is the chemistry between the three founding members. Having all met in their first year at medical school, music was initially something of a side-hustle, but as the years passed it became more and more an integral to them as individuals and as a collective. Now, with their time at university drawing to a close, and a debut EP online, there'll be at least a few heads wondering what will be coming next from these guys.
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Soto:
The feeling that first connected each of us to music is re-experienced on a regular basis. There is a deeply moving experience that arises when hearing the work of artists that touch us, and this similarly is something that is felt when we connect musically as a collective or as individuals. Music is possibly the most significant bringer of joy in any of our lives, which is why we are so determined - even with careers as doctors ready to begin - to make this a central part of our future. A life without music would always feel empty in a way.
Nagamag:
What do YOU enjoy most about writing and playing your music?
Soto:
We are all genuinely dedicated to the musical journey that we're on together. There's nothing better than when we meet for band practice and one of us says 'I've been working on this recently - what do you think?' and plays something beautiful. Many of our songs have come from one person bringing an idea forward for us to jam with, or quite literally just appearing from jams. This makes the process of writing so fun, and something we always look forward to. Similarly, what could be more fun than bringing music into a live setting? We love to improvise and leave lots of room for our songs to be different each time they are played so we can fully express ourselves musically any time we meet - we think of music as a conversation between the three of us and any listeners that may be present.
Nagamag:
Where do you see yourselves going musically?
Soto:
We hope to continue to challenge ourselves. We are always trying to explore new themes, try new things and push each other more and more musically, and this is something we hope to keep going. What we aim to do is continue writing music and hopefully entertaining people with our work. We would love to carve our a career in music, and we are so driven to this that we hope we're fortunate enough to just get that break that we need to make this viable. Whatever happens though, we want to enjoy every step of the way and be present in this journey, wherever it may go.
Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?
Soto:
Celeste "Both Sides of The Moon"
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?
Soto:
Prime Panda "State Your Business"
Jazz Featured Releases
Leo – Stefanos Kozanis
“В мире музыки, где каждый звук может стать откровением, композиция -Leo- от -Stefanos Kozanis- выделяется своей мелодичностью и красотой. Этот музыкальный неоклассический шедевр погружает слушателя в атмосферу глубокой и утонченной гармонии. Аранжировка захватывает своей нежной мелодией, которая словно танцует в воздухе, создавая ощущение легкости и свободы. ”
-Nagamag.com
Blocks – (LIVE LOOPING) – Doc Flux
“Very easy listening, soft vibe and atmosphere and a perfect jazz harmonic structure. Blissful piano theme in the and dreamy guitar riffs, that will put your mind at ease. Arrangement was good and nicely thought out with smooth and almost cinematic feeling, especially with saxophone solo part.”
-Nagamag.com
Expand to read review translations *
“Πολύ εύκολη ακρόαση, απαλή ατμόσφαιρα και ατμόσφαιρα και τέλεια αρμονική δομή τζαζ. Ευχάριστο θέμα πιάνου στα και ονειρικά riff της κιθάρας, που θα σας χαλαρώσουν. Η διασκευή ήταν καλή και καλά μελετημένη με απαλή και σχεδόν κινηματογραφική αίσθηση, ειδικά με σόλο μέρος του σαξόφωνου.”
-Nagamag.com
“Muy fácil de escuchar, vibra y atmósfera suaves y una estructura armónica de jazz perfecta. Un maravilloso tema de piano y riffs de guitarra de ensueño que te tranquilizarán. El arreglo fue bueno y bien pensado con una sensación suave y casi cinematográfica, especialmente con la parte solista de saxofón.”
-Nagamag.com
The original review of “Doc Flux – Blocks – (LIVE LOOPING)” is written in the native language that is spoken by the dedicated, for this song, Nagamag’s Jazz reviewer and followed by two translations*, of which the one depends from the country of origin of the artist “Doc Flux” (United Kingdom) and the other one is translated to a different language than original review and the country of origin of the artist.
* Automatically Translated
Nagamag unveils the mesmerizing composition “Blocks – (LIVE LOOPING)”, an extraordinary creation of harmony and creativity that “Doc Flux” offered to all of us. A Jazz song, which evoked an emotional voyage to our curator that desired to write down a unique review for “Doc Flux – Blocks – (LIVE LOOPING)”. What also sets this song among the featured choices of Nagamag is the way that “Blocks – (LIVE LOOPING)” is enriched with Electronica characteristics. “Doc Flux – Blocks – (LIVE LOOPING)” is a rich music creation that deserves to be listened to again and again. Nagamag is honored to share this detailed music review by one of our experienced reviewers for Jazz music compositions. As always, Nagamag keeps up evaluating Jazz songs from across the globe, ensuring that all Jazz enthusiasts around the world have access to these auditory treasures .
Jazz home page where “Doc Flux – Blocks – (LIVE LOOPING)” is hosted on Nagamag Music Magazine
Nagamag takes pride in supporting Jazz artists like “Doc Flux”, providing music reviews and music discoveries like “Blocks – (LIVE LOOPING)”.
This music post about song “Blocks – (LIVE LOOPING)” by “Doc Flux” is hosted in Jazz page on Nagamag.
There you can find similar Jazz artists to “Doc Flux” and more Jazz, Electronica songs like “Blocks – (LIVE LOOPING)” that have been carefully selected by Nagamag’s Jazz experienced curators and reviewed by Nagamag’s Jazz dedicated reviewers.
Learn everything about Jazz on Wikipedia
If you enjoyed “Doc Flux – Blocks – (LIVE LOOPING)” but you have never listened before to any other Jazz song or you are interested in learning more about Jazz music gerne then click here to visit Jazz music page on Wikipedia.
Jazz music refers to a distinct style with common characteristics. Each genre carries its unique sound, instruments, and cultural influences. For a deeper understanding of Jazz music, Wikipedia provides comprehensive insights into its history, notable artists, and iconic works. Delve into the diverse and dynamic world of Jazz music through this valuable resource, broadening your knowledge around Jazz genre.
Michael Eastwood – Still Sweet | Jazz music review
“Начиная с первых джазовых нот, вы окунаетесь в мир изысканных мелодий, утонченного вокала и красивой аранжировки. Романтическая атмосфера трека создает ощущение легкости и непринужденности, словно вы плывете на волнах. Мелодичные фразы нежно и спокойной переплетаются друг с другом, создавая уникальное звучание, которое сложно передать словами.”
-Nagamag.com
Expand to read review translations *
“Starting from the first jazz notes, you plunge into a world of exquisite melodies, sophisticated vocals and beautiful arrangements. The romantic atmosphere of the track creates a feeling of lightness and ease, as if you are floating on the waves. Melodic phrases gently and calmly intertwine with each other, creating a unique sound that is difficult to convey in words.”
-Nagamag.com
“Ξεκινώντας από τις πρώτες νότες της τζαζ, βυθίζεσαι σε έναν κόσμο εξαιρετικών μελωδιών, εκλεπτυσμένων φωνητικών και όμορφων διασκευών. Η ρομαντική ατμόσφαιρα της πίστας δημιουργεί μια αίσθηση ελαφρότητας και ευκολίας, σαν να επιπλέετε στα κύματα. Οι μελωδικές φράσεις μπλέκονται απαλά και ήρεμα μεταξύ τους, δημιουργώντας έναν μοναδικό ήχο που δύσκολα μεταφέρεται με λέξεις.”
-Nagamag.com
The original review of “Michael Eastwood – Still Sweet” is written in the native language that is spoken by the dedicated, for this song, Nagamag’s Jazz reviewer and followed by two translations*, of which the one depends from the country of origin of the artist “Michael Eastwood” (United Kingdom) and the other one is translated to a different language than original review and the country of origin of the artist.
* Automatically Translated
Nagamag unveils the mesmerizing composition “Still Sweet”, an extraordinary creation of harmony and creativity that “Michael Eastwood” offered to all of us. A Jazz song, which evoked an emotional voyage to our curator that desired to write down a unique review for “Michael Eastwood – Still Sweet”. What also sets this song among the featured choices of Nagamag is the way that “Still Sweet” is enriched with Indie Jazz characteristics. “Michael Eastwood – Still Sweet” is a rich music creation that deserves to be listened to again and again. Nagamag is honored to share this detailed music review by one of our experienced reviewers for Jazz music compositions. As always, Nagamag keeps up evaluating Jazz songs from across the globe, ensuring that all Jazz enthusiasts around the world have access to these auditory treasures .
Jazz home page where “Michael Eastwood – Still Sweet” is hosted on Nagamag Music Magazine
Nagamag takes pride in supporting Jazz artists like “Michael Eastwood”, providing music reviews and music discoveries like “Still Sweet”.
This music post about song “Still Sweet” by “Michael Eastwood” is hosted in Jazz page on Nagamag.
There you can find similar Jazz artists to “Michael Eastwood” and more Jazz, Indie Jazz songs like “Still Sweet” that have been carefully selected by Nagamag’s Jazz experienced curators and reviewed by Nagamag’s Jazz dedicated reviewers.
Learn everything about Jazz on Wikipedia
If you enjoyed “Michael Eastwood – Still Sweet” but you have never listened before to any other Jazz song or you are interested in learning more about Jazz music gerne then click here to visit Jazz music page on Wikipedia.
Jazz music refers to a distinct style with common characteristics. Each genre carries its unique sound, instruments, and cultural influences. For a deeper understanding of Jazz music, Wikipedia provides comprehensive insights into its history, notable artists, and iconic works. Delve into the diverse and dynamic world of Jazz music through this valuable resource, broadening your knowledge around Jazz genre.
Latest Jazz discoveries
You Stepped Out of a Dream – Norm Drubner
Με ωραίο και γοητευτικό ύφος η μελωδία έρχεται να μας κατακτήσει και να μας κάνει να πετάξουμε στους ουρανούς από ευτυχία.Η μ... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #jazz #normdrubner #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Brown Eyes – John Fellner
Το γλυκό και αρμονικό άγγιγμα της μελωδίας δημιουργεί όμορφες εικόνες στο μυαλό μας. Ένα αγαπημένο πρόσωπο και μια ηλιόλουστη... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #indiepop #adultcontemporary #johnfellner #canada #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
In der Bar zum Krokodil – Ethel Merhaut
Amazing jazz song with lounge harmonic structure behind it. Full of catchy themes, that feels almost cinematic. Blissful lead... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #jazzfusion #jazz #crossoverclassical #ethelmerhaut #austria #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
1234 (feat. Marion Lenfant-Preus) – Radius
Amazing jazz song with smooth harmonic structure behind it. Full of catchy themes, especially piano ones, very addictive lead... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #neosoul #funk #retrosoul #radius #germany #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Current Location – Nick Marks
Flows brilliantly, great use of harmony, almost cinematic at moments. The melody trades off with blissful lead vocal and the ... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #jazzfusion #nickmarks #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Weak – Wvters
Modern sound, seductive mood and atmosphere keeps gaining momentum as the song progresses. With every instrument arriving, it... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #neosoul #contemporaryrnb #alternative #indiernb #wvters #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Waste No Time – Mom Tudie x Eerf Evil
Η κεφάτη και ευχάριστη μελωδία φτιάχνει την διάθεση μας και μας κάνει πιο χαρούμενους. Τα ευκίνητα και γοητευτικά φωνητικά βρ... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #funk #alternativehiphop #nujazz #jazztronica #momtudiexeerfevil #momtudiexeerfevil #unitedkingdom #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
WHEN THEY COME OUT AT NIGHT – Part II – Cestari
Η φανταστική μελωδία μας συναρπάζει με την δυναμική ενέργεια της και το πάθος της. Οι εναλλαγές της κρατούν το ενδιαφέρον μας... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #nujazz #jazztronica #jazzfusion #altpop #cestari #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
little bossa nova – Ashley Fredette
Οι χαρούμενες νότες της μελωδίας γαληνεύουν την ψυχή μας και μας κάνουν να νιώθουμε ευτυχία. Η φύση γύρω μας φοράει τα καλά τ... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #jazz #altpop #lounge #ashleyfredette #canada #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Some Jazz subgenres
There are many subgenres of jazz, and the boundaries between them can be somewhat fluid. Here are a few of the most common subgenres of jazz:
Dixieland jazz: Also known as “traditional” or “New Orleans” jazz, this style is characterized by its use of collective improvisation and a strong rhythm section, featuring instruments such as the trumpet, trombone, and clarinet.
Swing: This style emerged in the 1930s and 1940s and is characterized by its use of a swinging rhythm and big band instrumentation. It was popularized by bands led by musicians such as Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman.
Bebop: This style emerged in the 1940s and is characterized by its fast tempo, complex chord progressions, and extensive use of improvisation. It was popularized by musicians such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
Cool jazz: This style emerged in the 1950s and is characterized by its use of complex harmonies and a laid-back, relaxed approach to rhythm. It was popularized by musicians such as Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck.
Fusion: This style emerged in the 1970s and is characterized by its incorporation of elements from other genres of music, such as rock, funk, and world music. It was popularized by musicians such as John McLaughlin and Chick Corea.
Smooth jazz: This style emerged in the 1980s and is characterized by its use of electronic instrumentation and a focus on melody and groove. It was popularized by musicians such as George Benson and Grover Washington Jr.
Hard bop: This style emerged in the 1950s and is characterized by its use of blues and gospel influences and its incorporation of elements from bebop and swing. It was popularized by musicians such as Horace Silver and Art Blakey.
Free jazz: This style emerged in the 1960s and is characterized by its use of extended improvisation and a lack of strict chord progressions or other formal structures. It was popularized by musicians such as Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane.
Latin jazz: This style is characterized by its incorporation of Latin American rhythms and melodies, as well as its use of percussion instruments such as congas, timbales, and bongos. It was popularized by musicians such as Tito Puente and Cal Tjader.
Acid jazz: This style emerged in the 1980s and is characterized by its incorporation of elements from funk, soul, and hip hop, as well as its use of electronic instrumentation. It was popularized by musicians such as Brand New Heavies and Jamiroquai.
Jazz-rock: This style emerged in the 1970s and is characterized by its incorporation of elements from rock music and its use of electric instruments. It was popularized by musicians such as Mahavishnu Orchestra and Weather Report.
Jazz-funk: This style is characterized by its incorporation of elements from funk music and its use of electric instruments and groove-based rhythms. It was popularized by musicians such as James Brown and George Clinton.
As with any genre of music, these subgenres are just a few of the many that exist within the broader category of jazz. There are many other styles and variations within jazz.
The most used instruments in Jazz Music
There are many different instruments that are commonly used in jazz music, and the specific instruments used can vary depending on the style and context of the music. Here are a few of the most common instruments used in jazz:
Piano: The piano is a common instrument in jazz music and is often used to provide the harmonic foundation for the music. Jazz pianists may use a range of techniques, including comping (providing chordal accompaniment), soloing (performing a melodic solo), and improvising (creating music spontaneously).
Drums: The drums are an important part of the rhythm section in jazz music and are often used to create a swinging or groove-based feel. Jazz drummers may use a range of techniques, including various stick and cymbal patterns, to create complex rhythms and interactive interactions with other musicians.
Bass: The bass is another important part of the rhythm section in jazz music and is often used to provide the foundation for the music. Jazz bassists may use a range of techniques, including walking bass lines (a repeating pattern of notes played over the chord progression of a song) and soloing, to create a strong rhythmic and melodic foundation for the music.
Guitar: The guitar is often used in jazz music and can play a variety of roles, from providing chordal accompaniment to soloing. Jazz guitarists may use a range of techniques, including chord voicings (arrangements of notes in a chord), arpeggios (broken chords played one note at a time), and improvisation, to create complex and interesting musical textures.
Saxophone: The saxophone is a common instrument in jazz music and is often used to play melodies and improvise solos. Jazz saxophonists may use a range of techniques, including alternate fingerings, multiphonics (playing more than one pitch at a time), and circular breathing (a technique for continuous blowing), to create a wide range of sounds and textures.
Vocals: Vocals are often used in jazz music, and many jazz singers have made significant contributions to the genre. Jazz vocals can take many forms, ranging from scat singing (improvised vocalizations using nonsense syllables) to more traditional vocal styles such as singing with lyrics. Some famous jazz singers include Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong, all of whom are known for their unique vocal styles and ability to improvise.
In addition to traditional vocals, many jazz musicians also use electronic effects and processing to manipulate their voices, creating a wide range of sounds and textures. Some jazz musicians, such as Bobby McFerrin and Gregory Porter, have made significant contributions to the genre using only their voices, without any accompanying instruments.
In jazz music, lyrics are often used in the same way as in other genres of music, to express emotions, tell a story, or convey a message. However, jazz lyrics may also be used to create a structure for improvisation or to provide a basis for scat singing, which is a form of vocal improvisation in which the singer uses nonsense syllables instead of actual words.
Jazz lyrics may also be more abstract and poetic than lyrics in other genres of music, and may use figurative language or symbolism to convey meaning. Jazz lyrics often reflect the social and cultural contexts in which the music was created, and may address themes such as love, loss, hope, and social or political issues.
Overall, vocals and the meaning of lyrics in jazz music depends on the context in which they are used and the intentions of the songwriter. They can be used to express emotions, tell a story, convey a message, or provide a structure for the music to follow.