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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
Feature Review: Charlie Brown – The Strongest Man | An essential Jazz Song
Music Review:
“Στο The Strongest Man, ο Charlie Brown στήνει μια τζαζ αφήγηση που δεν ενδιαφέρεται να εντυπωσιάσει με ακροβασίες, αλλά να σε κερδίσει αργά, σχεδόν ύπουλα. Η μελωδία κυλά ζεστή και ρομαντική, με έναν αισθησιασμό που δεν φωνάζει αλλά επιμένει, σαν ανάμνηση που επιστρέφει απρόσκλητη. Τα φωνητικά, πληθωρικά και τεχνικά άρτια, λειτουργούν ως συναισθηματικός καταλύτης, γεμάτα αυτοπεποίθηση και γοητεία. Ο ρυθμός παραμένει ήρεμος, αισιόδοξος, προσφέροντας μικρές στιγμές καθαρής ευφορίας. Είναι ένα κομμάτι που γεφυρώνει το χθες με το σήμερα, χωρίς νοσταλγικά τρικ, μόνο με ουσία.”
-Nagamag.com
Lyrics of Charlie Brown – The Strongest Man
There comes a time when a man get’s tired of being a fool…
Of being messed around
Verse 1:
Called you at work, baby
They said you’re gone for the day
Try to talk to you at night, girl
And you’re a million miles away
All this lying…
Girl, it’s wearing me down.
You used to be there for me, baby
But now you’re never around.
Bridge..
See its heavy on my mind
Can’t be a fool to many times
Even the strongest man will get tired sometimes
(yeah, baby)
Chorus:
Even the strongest man will get tired sometimes
Even the strongest man will get tired sometimes
I’m gettn’ tired of being played around
Even the strongest man will get tired sometimes
(yeah, baby)
Verse 2
Monday morning..
Another long hard day
See, I’m working two jobs
For some bills we’re tryin’ to pay
Stopped by your sick momma’s
She said she doin’ just fine
New shoes for lil Charlie
Word around town he ain’t even mine
Bridge:
See its heavy on my mind
Can’t play the fool too many times
Even the most faithful man…
Will get tired sometimes
Release date: Sep 29, 2009
Stream now Charlie Brown – The Strongest Man on:
Point Nemo – TELLL
“Τον εκκωφαντικό ήχο της ησυχίας μέσα στο άπειρο έρχεται να σπάσει η μοναδική αυτή μελωδία. Μοιάζει σαν ένα ταξίδι του μυαλού μέσα στον χωροχρόνο που πλανάται χωρίς σκοπό και ταλανίζεται από τη νοσταλγία του παλιού και το πάθος για το άγνωστο. Όμως ο σίγουρος ρυθμός με σταθερά βήματα ανατρέπει την αγωνία και μαλακώνει την ψυχή, για να συνεχιστεί η ζωή.”
-Nagamag.com
Additional information/sources for TELLL – Point Nemo
Point Nemo: a tiny spot in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, somewhere between Chile and New Zealand, further from land than any other point on Earth. It takes over two weeks to reach it by ship. TELLL only travelled to Point Nemo in their imagination. Nevertheless, the result is an atmospheric, melancholic electro-pop song about the loneliest place on Earth.
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
Latest Jazz discoveries
Song Critique: Nathan Bryce and Loaded Dice – Drunk Dial Baby (feat. D’vibes) | Jazz Review
Στο Drunk Dial Baby, οι Nathan Bryce and Loaded Dice δεν χάνουν χρόνο με υπαινιγμούς. Ο ρυθμός ξεκινά εκρηκτικά, χτίζοντας μι... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #funk #classicrock #nathanbryceandloadeddice #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Release Critique: Kingsley Q – Silver Lining | Jazz Review
Στο Silver Lining, ο Kingsley Q επιλέγει τη διακριτική ένταση αντί για την κραυγαλέα κορύφωση. Η φωνή του κινείται με ευκίνητ... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #contemporaryrnb #kingsleyq #germany #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Song Critique Chris Aschman – Select Your Racer | Review
Το Select Your Racer του Chris Aschman λειτουργεί σαν εκκίνηση σε πίστα όπου η τζαζ δεν είναι ρετρό άσκηση ύφους αλλά ζωντανό... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #nujazz #jazztronica #chrisaschman #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
“A Home Here” by Jerry Jean | Jazz Song Review
Το A Home Here με τον Jerry Jean ακουμπά στη λεπτή γραμμή ανάμεσα στην εξομολόγηση και τη λύτρωση. Τα φωνητικά, καθαρά και αν... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #jerryjean #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Song Review: “ALL4U” by Ruzandra | Jazz Essential
Το ALL4U διοχετεύει την ατμοσφαιρική ποπ μέσα από ένα φίλτρο ευφορικής διαφυγής. Η μελωδία απλώνεται σαν ζεστό νέον πάνω σε ν... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #afrobeats #afropop #afrofusion #ruzandra #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Music Critique: Heisenberg Uncertainty Players – Catalpa | Jazz Review
Το Catalpa των Heisenberg Uncertainty Players ξεδιπλώνεται σαν μια τζαζ αφήγηση που προτιμά το υπόγειο μυστήριο από τις εύκολ... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #jazz #heisenberguncertaintyplayers #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Song Review: “Night and Day” by Katerina McCrimmon | Jazz Essential
Το Night and Day με την Katerina McCrimmon ξεδιπλώνεται σαν μια καλοδουλεμένη τζαζ εξομολόγηση, που ισορροπεί ανάμεσα στην α... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #jazz #katerinamccrimmon #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Colab Critique: “Nice Is Ugly” by Giole Marrino x Anana | Jazz Review
Το Nice Is Ugly επενδύει στη χαρά χωρίς ειρωνεία, μετατρέποντας την ευθυμία σε συνειδητή αισθητική στάση. Η μελωδία στήνει μι... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #blues #giolemarrinoxanana #giolemarrinoxanana #serbia #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Release Review: Sons of the Mellow Mafia – Shade from Burned Oaks | Jazz
Στο Shade from Burned Oaks, οι Sons of the Mellow Mafia αφήνουν τη jazz να ξεδιπλωθεί με υπομονή και λεπτότητα. Η μελωδία δεν... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #folkrock #sonsofthemellowmafia #unitedstates #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.













