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Jazz: Longed for and not forgotten
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(AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Jazz is one of the earliest forms of American Contemporary Music. Although its peak for radio play and record sales were between the 20's and 60's, it's popularity has not dwindled. The earliest sign of jazz music was in ragtime. This music was often played in clubs, bars, etc. for background music and one of it's biggest contributors was Scott Joplin (c.1867-1917). Swing didn't show it's beautiful colors until the 30's. This form of Jazz introduced the big band, a new dance, and many of today's most respected and legendary bandleaders and arrangers. Musician's like Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington were soon followed by musician's like Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. As they grew, the music they helped form grew and influenced many different genres of music. By the late 60's, a new style of music was forming. Jazz fusion was the combination of rock beats electric instruments and the stage rock sound. Performers of Jazz Fusion includes Jimi Hendrix, Herbie Hancock, Gary Burton, and Frank Zappa. Smooth Jazz came into the picture during the 70's while Jazz Fusion was seeing much success. Some of Smooth Jazz's innovators include Houston's very own Joe Sample and others like, George Benson, Sergio Mendes and David Sanborn. Luckily for Houstonians, David Sanborn played at the Arena Theater this past Monday evening.
One of the greatest things about jazz music is the control musicians show. Sanborn has a control over his saxophone that truly shows how much of an experienced musician he is. His rhythm section only made him sound better. There was not a moment when they didn't know what was going on or what song they were going to play next. They played with so much enthusiasm, passion and beauty. For such an intimate theater, the members played like they were playing at the Reliant. Any place there was a solo, they were all together and didn't waver from the form of the song. Every player in the band brought a piece of David Sanborn's music to the audience and made the experience of live music that much more entertaining.
Jazz changed American Contemporary Music in more ways than one and brought legends into the light. It is longed for by many and will never be forgotten.
For more information on Houston's Jazz Scene click here.
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