A Brief Guide to Jazz History

Jazz history tells an inspiring story of a race’s quest for freedom and an unquenchable spirit and passion for music and life.

1700’s

In this century, slavery had not yet been abolished and African American slaves had little to entertain themselves with. In time, they used music not just to relieve themselves from the toils of hard labor but also as a ‘call and response’ method while at work. With this type of music, a song leader would make a call and other slaves would respond. Read More

How to Enjoy Jazz Radio Online

As a purely jazz enthusiast, it’s understandable that you don’t find the current and typical selection of radio stations available as appealing. Thankfully, you can listen to jazz radio online and ensure that every switch you make won’t take you to any place outside jazz.

How to Listen to Jazz Radio Online

To listen to jazz radio online, you’ll just need a sound and microphone-equipped desktop or laptop – basically anything that can play sounds or music as well as receive and transmit sound will do. The next thing you may need is to install and update software programs like Flash or Java. This will ensure that your computer will be able to read all pages that have online jazz radios. Read More

How the New Orleans Jazz Festival Began

Although there are many kinds of jazz festivals taking place in The Big Easy, in most cases the term ‘jazz fest’ refers to the annual New Orleans Jazz Festival (also known as New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival).

History of the New Orleans Jazz Festival

In 1970, members of the New Orleans Hotel Motel Association decided to establish the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. It contracted Festival Productions, Inc., owned by George Wein, to launch the first New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Read More

How to Form a Jazz Band

A jazz band is usually a small group composed of horn and rhythm playing individuals. It’s possible for string instrument playing members to be included but their role had more of a visual nature rather than being there to add depth or style to the band’s music.

Members of the Rhythm Section

These may include those playing the percussion, piano, guitar, and other similar instruments. They provide the foundation or base for the band’s music as well as setting the overall tone of each song. Read More

How to Make Your Amateur Jazz Blues Band Improve

It’s understandable that the deep love you and your friends, family, or colleagues share for jazz blues have made you decide to form your own band. But after that, what’s next?

Confirm Commitment

For your jazz blues band to improve – and maybe even enjoy a couple of outstanding performances in the future – every member has to be committed. That means sacrificing a bit of your time and effort for regular practice. Read More