Jazz is the modern equivalent of classical music!
Jazz has been around since the turn of the 20th century. All modern musical genres stem from jazz, such as rock and roll. So in this list, we attempt to name the greatest musicians to ever play in this complex genre of music.
In the eyes of many, Mingus is renowned as a pioneering bass player, yet for some, he emerges as the most raucous and inventive composer of his era. His music pulsates with the energy of revolution, serving as the anthem for many social movements during the 1950s and 1960s. At the age of 15, amidst the mainstream tunes dominating the charts, an individual finds themselves oscillating between dance, indie rock, and pop music. Mingus's particular style of free-form expression speaks to them as a rejection of the mainstream, resonating in a positive way. Far from polite, his brand of dirty jazz tinged with violence embodies the epitome of rebellion, while also offering an educational experience.
Coltrane is hailed as a master of meticulously crafted, impeccably structured music. His jazz style exudes a profound spirituality, almost bordering on the religious. Some even suggest that he channelled divine inspiration through his saxophone. It was his 1965 masterpiece, "A Love Supreme," that resonated deeply with the audiences.
Miles Davis, who was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, is considered the greatest jazz musician in history. Recognised for his eerie, melancholic lyrics in ballads, Davis' career embodied an unceasing quest for creativity and advancement in music. His career began in the mid-1940s, when he collaborated with Charlie Parker in the bebop genre. However, as time went on, he developed a more varied style. From modal jazz, as demonstrated by his seminal record "Kind Of Blue," to cool jazz and hard bop, Davis always pushed the envelope. His revolutionary record from 1970, "Bitches Brew," signalled a change to electric jazz rock and helped to spark the fusion movement that came to define jazz in the early 1970s.
Mary Lou traversed the entire spectrum of jazz history, beginning her journey in a swing band and transitioning through various musical styles with each passing decade. Transitioning from exploring modal compositions in the 1970s to venturing into avant-garde realms later on, she constantly pushed the boundaries of musical expression. Mary Lou's ability to seamlessly blend jazz and classical influences was awe-inspiring. She earned rare acceptance from the classical world and even graced the stage of Carnegie Hall alongside an orchestra. Renowned for her prowess as a composer, pianist, and mentor, Mary Lou stands as a pivotal figure in jazz.
From 1927 to 1974, Duke Ellington, born in Washington DC, led one of jazz's premier ensembles. Primarily a pianist known for his distinctive staccato style, Ellington gained fame performing at Harlem's renowned Cotton Club in the late 1920s, contributing to the emergence of the big band swing movement. Renowned as the most prolific jazz composer in history, his compositions spanned symphonic and sacred genres, elevating jazz to new heights of respectability. A forward-thinker, Ellington embraced new trends, collaborating with saxophonist John Coltrane on the album "Duke Ellington & John Coltrane" in 1962, and joining forces with bassist Charles Mingus and drummer Max Roach on the LP "Money Jungle" the same year.
Louis Armstrong, born in New Orleans and affectionately known as "Satchmo" or "Pops," played a pivotal role in shaping jazz as one of its founding fathers. Renowned for his exceptional trumpet skills and captivating improvisations, Armstrong also distinguished himself as a soulful jazz vocalist with a distinct, gravelly voice. His influence extended beyond the United States, contributing significantly to the global dissemination of jazz music. Throughout his illustrious career, Armstrong collaborated with legendary figures such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, and Bing Crosby.
Other figures one should get acquainted with while going down the rabbit hole of jazz are Nat King Cole, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Buddy Rich.
