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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 Music Magazine

Anton Commissaris Interview on Nagamag

September 25th, 2021|Tags: , , , , , , , |

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"

Discover & Listen to Anton Commissaris

Anton Commissaris on Spotify

Anton Commissaris' Signature Track

Anton Commissaris on Social Media

  • Soto interview on Nagamag Music Magazine

Soto Interview on Nagamag.com

March 6th, 2020|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

Soto
Interview

Soto Interview on Nagamag.com


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"

Discover & Listen to Soto

Soto on Spotify

Soto's Signature Track

Soto on Social Media

Jazz Featured Releases

  • Raymond Revel - In Bloom, Jazz music genre, Nagamag Magazine

Raymond Revel – In Bloom

May 24th, 2023|Tags: , , , , , , |

“Удивительный музыкальный опыт, который погружает слушателя в атмосферу безмятежности и гармонии. Мелодичный коктейль, который создал -Raymond Revel-, идеально подходит для тех, кто ищет способ расслабиться и отвлечься от повседневных забот. С каждой секундой Funk атмосфера погружает нас всё глубже и глубже в свой мир, где мы можем забыть о проблемах и наслаждаться мгновением.”

“Amazing musical experience that immerses the listener into the atmosphere of serenity and harmony. The melodic cocktail, which created -Raymond revel-, is ideal for those who are looking for a way to relax and distract from everyday worries. With every second, Funk atmosphere immerses us deeper and deeper into our world, where we can forget about problems and enjoy the moment.” *

“Καταπληκτική μουσική εμπειρία που βυθίζει τον ακροατή στην ατμόσφαιρα της ηρεμίας και της αρμονίας. Το μελωδικό κοκτέιλ, το οποίο δημιούργησε -Raymond Revel-, είναι ιδανικό για όσους αναζητούν έναν τρόπο να χαλαρώσουν και να αποσπάσουν την προσοχή από τις καθημερινές ανησυχίες. Με κάθε δευτερόλεπτο, η ατμόσφαιρα Funk μας βυθίζει βαθύτερα και βαθύτερα στον κόσμο μας, όπου μπορούμε να ξεχάσουμε τα προβλήματα και να απολαύσουμε τη στιγμή.” *

-Nagamag.com

The song “Raymond Revel – In Bloom” is released by Raymond Revel Records

Song Sources for “Raymond Revel – In Bloom”:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/656HLlxUGm01cpUhQi3ALR
Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu4VB57nIa0
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/in-bloom/1673686075?i=1673686076

Find Raymond Revel on Socials:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/raymondrevelmusic/

  • Lofimoore - Endless Mist, Jazz music genre, Nagamag Magazine

Lofimoore – Endless Mist

May 21st, 2023|Tags: , , , , , , , |

“Lo fi mood and slower beats makes this song very relaxing and will put your mind at ease. Dreamy synth theme and melancholic vibe of the song creates very hypnotic atmosphere. With a rainy nigh in the background and your thoughts full of memories, song feels like the perfect choice for that moment. ”

“Η διάθεση και οι πιο αργές κτύπους κάνουν αυτό το τραγούδι πολύ χαλαρωτικό και θα βάλει το μυαλό σας άνετα. Το Dreamy Synth θέμα και η μελαγχολική ατμόσφαιρα του τραγουδιού δημιουργούν πολύ υπνωτική ατμόσφαιρα. Με μια βροχερή κοντά στο παρασκήνιο και τις σκέψεις σας γεμάτες αναμνήσεις, το τραγούδι αισθάνεται σαν την τέλεια επιλογή για εκείνη τη στιγμή.” *

“Lo Fi Mood y Boots más lentos hacen que esta canción sea muy relajante y tranquilizará. El tema de sintetizador soñador y el ambiente melancólico de la canción crean una atmósfera muy hipnótica. Con una nula lluviosa en el fondo y sus pensamientos llenos de recuerdos, la canción se siente como la elección perfecta para ese momento.” *

-Nagamag.com

The song “Lofimoore – Endless Mist” is released by T&s Gang

Song Sources for “Lofimoore – Endless Mist”:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/5CuG5wV5b6GMR5N1EGtRzl
Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J0G-xNKE1M
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/endless-mist/1629552734?i=1629552744
Deezer: www.deezer.com/track/1783892677

  • Midnight Smoke - Lonely Executive, Jazz music genre, Nagamag Magazine

Midnight Smoke – Lonely Executive

May 18th, 2023|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

“Melancholic vibes and deeper, more sensual mood of the song, creates some truly seductive atmosphere. Smooth groove and depth it have is perfectly layered with beautiful harmonies in the background. Lush saxophone solo feels so epic, almost cinematic in structure, as well as the lead guitar and the trumpet theme. Song explores the Blade Runner soundscapes with fitting tone. ”

“Μελαγχολικά vibes και βαθύτερη, πιο αισθησιακή διάθεση του τραγουδιού, δημιουργεί κάποια πραγματικά σαγηνευτική ατμόσφαιρα. Η ομαλή αυλάκωση και το βάθος που έχει είναι τέλεια στρωμένο με όμορφες αρμονίες στο παρασκήνιο. Το πλούσιο σόλο σαξόφωνο αισθάνεται τόσο επική, σχεδόν κινηματογραφική δομή, καθώς και η κιθάρα μολύβδου και το θέμα της τρομπέτας. Το τραγούδι διερευνά τα ηχητικά τοπία του Blade Runner με τόνο τοποθέτησης.” *

“Las vibraciones melancólicas y el estado de ánimo más profundo y más sensual de la canción crean una atmósfera verdaderamente seductora. El ritmo y la profundidad suaves que tiene está perfectamente en capas con hermosas armonías en el fondo. El exuberante saxofón solo se siente tan épico, casi cinematográfico de estructura, así como la guitarra principal y el tema de la trompeta. Song explora los paisajes sonoros de Blade Runner con un tono de ajuste.” *

-Nagamag.com

The song “Midnight Smoke – Lonely Executive” is released by DistroKid

Song Sources for “Midnight Smoke – Lonely Executive”:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/0TPsT5H4f9UXs3MR5yTASg

Find Midnight Smoke on Socials:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/midnight_smoke_music/

Latest Jazz discoveries

  • tim pfau - Old and New, Jazz music genre, Nagamag Magazine

tim pfau – Old and New

June 3rd, 2023|Tags: , , , , |

Плавная и красивая музыка в очаровательном жанре Jazz Fusion, сочетающая инструментальные элементы и электронную музыку. Фоновый слой живого оркестра с лёгким ... >>> Read more & listen to this song on Nagamag #jazzfusion #timpfau #germany #nagamag #musicmagazine

  • Matteo Franchi - Dive or fly, Jazz music genre, Nagamag Magazine

Matteo Franchi – Dive or fly

June 2nd, 2023|Tags: , , , , , , |

Эмоциональный Nu Jazz с впечатляющими музыкальными элементами в звучании. В начале трека слышны приятные звуки перкуссии и гитары, а затем постепенно акцент см... >>> Read more & listen to this song on Nagamag #nujazz #jazztronica #jazzfusion #matteofranchi #italy #nagamag #musicmagazine

  • Aistè - GIVE ME, Jazz music genre, Nagamag Magazine

Aistè – GIVE ME

June 2nd, 2023|Tags: , , , , , , |

Энергичная и яркая песня в жанре Indie R&B, которая моментально вас заведёт и заставит двигаться! Вокал -Aistè- звучит искренне и многогранно и это добавляет п... >>> Read more & listen to this song on Nagamag #alternative #indiernb #psychedelicrock #aistè #unitedkingdom #nagamag #musicmagazine IG: @alovebuzz

  • Michael Cates - Side Hustle, Jazz music genre, Nagamag Magazine

Michael Cates – Side Hustle

June 2nd, 2023|Tags: , , , , |

Интересное сочетание духовых и классических оркестровых элементов. Лёгкая и ненавязчивая Jazz Fusion мелодия, которая создаёт атмосферу вечерней прогулки. Инст... >>> Read more & listen to this song on Nagamag #jazzfusion #michaelcates #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine

  • Hendrix Harris - Katie Jane, Jazz music genre, Nagamag Magazine

Hendrix Harris – Katie Jane

May 31st, 2023|Tags: , , , , , |

Με αισθησιασμό και ευαισθησία τα φωνητικά χαϊδεύουν τα αφτιά μου και νιώθω να πετάω σε απαλά σύννεφα μακριά από αυτά που με απασχολούν. Η μελωδία διώχνει τα πο... >>> Read more & listen to this song on Nagamag #neosoul #contemporaryrnb #hendrixharris #unitedkingdom #nagamag #musicmagazine

  • Hollyy - By My Side, Jazz music genre, Nagamag Magazine

Hollyy – By My Side

May 28th, 2023|Tags: , , , , , , |

Новый Neo-Soul трек от молодого коллектива -Hollyy-, который произведёт незабываемое впечатление на вас! Голос звучит очень глубоко и душевно и он отлично пере... >>> Read more & listen to this song on Nagamag #neosoul #adultcontemporary #retrosoul #hollyy #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine IG: @hollyy.band TW: @hollyyband

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.