Jazz age-louis armstrong

The Jazz Age

The 1920’s, often referred to as the “Jazz Age” saw the beginning of a distinctive style of music, separate from its roots in ragtime and blues. Jazz is played on the theory that an infinite amount of melodies could fit the chord progression of any composition. It is unusual in its use of improvisation. Some jazz music is written out or memorized by the musicians, while other parts of jazz are improvised. This means that the musician may play any notes he wishes to play, as long as they do not clash with the notes or chords being played in the background. Two formal patterns of improvisation were brought about. The first, AABA, has thirty-two measures in 4/4 meter; they are divided into four 8-measure sections. The second pattern has roots deep in African American folk music. It is in the blues form and has a fairly standard chord progression.
Jazz was an influential addition to music. Its style and characteristics would influen...