Jazz Music Artists and Styles
By Jacob Teichroew, About.com Guide
Early Jazz
Early jazz resulted from the melding of music from various cultures. Read about some early jazz styles and the musicians who laid the groundwork for later styles.
Swing
Swing music filled dance halls and ballrooms throughout the 1930s and early 40s. The swing era marked the height of jazz as a popular music.
- What is Swing?
- Ten Swing Era Musicians
- Duke Ellington - Arranger, Bandleader
- Fletcher Henderson - Arranger, Bandleader
Bebop
World War II brought an end to the heyday of swing. Big bands began to shrivel, as musicians were sent overseas to fight. For this reason, the 1940s saw a surge in smaller ensembles, such as quartets and quintets. Musicians in small groups developed advanced and extended improvisations that forged the style that came to be known as bebop.
- What is Bebop?
- Ten Bebop Musicians
- Charlie Parker - Saxophone
- Roy Haynes - Drums
- Dizzy Gillespie - Trumpet
Post-Bop - Present Day
Bebop gave artists creative license, and opened the door for rapid innovation. Since the days of bebop, musicians have explored many routes of improvisation. Below are some links to innovators in modern jazz.