Celebrating International Jazz Day at Deezer
Every year on April 30, the International Jazz Day is celebrated worldwide. On this day, we honour the fascinating journey that jazz has made over the past centuries. From the smoke-filled jazz clubs of New Orleans to the glamorous concert stages of New York, jazz has a long and rich history. Our Swiss Superuser and Jazz Fan @EifachJustin tells us everything about it.
History of jazz
The roots of jazz go back to the late 19th century in the southern states of the USA. The musical traditions of the African-American population blended African rhythms with European harmonies. In the 1920s, jazz migrated from New Orleans to Chicago and continued to develop there. The swing style with dance bands also became popular in Chicago. At the same time, jazz also spread to other cities in the USA. The big swing orchestras then dominated in the 1930s.
The international day of jazz
The International Jazz Day is more than just a day to celebrate the rich history of this unique musical genre. It also draws attention to the continuing social relevance of jazz.
Even today, jazz stands for social progress and the fight against discrimination. From its origins in African-American culture to artists such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane, who used jazz as a means of expression against oppression. To this day, the songs contain socially critical statements on topics such as police violence, poverty and discrimination.
Furthermore, jazz promotes intercultural dialogue like no other musical genre. Lively local jazz scenes have developed all over the world, absorbing influences from the respective cultures. Jazz connects people across all borders and stands for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
The International Day of Jazz is therefore more important than ever to draw attention to the unbroken power of music as a cultural and social link. Especially in times of growing social tensions, jazz has a special significance as a symbol of mutual reconciliation.
To mark the occasion, UNESCO has organised a three-day music festival that will be broadcast live on YouTube. Modern and classical jazz musicians from all over the world will perform at the festival.
Legends: Past and present
Louis Armstrong is one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Born in New Orleans in 1901, he revolutionised the early jazz style with his extraordinary trumpet playing and raspy voice. Hits such as "What a Wonderful World" made him world-famous. Armstrong thrilled his fans all over the world with energetic performances well into old age. He had a lasting influence on jazz and paved the way for young musicians.
Miles Davis was also one of the most influential trumpeters in jazz. Born in 1926, he revolutionised the prevailing cool jazz style in the 1950s with albums such as "Kind of Blue". In the 1960s, he was one of the first to open the doors between jazz, rock and funk with albums such as "Bitches Brew". Miles Davis was a visionary who constantly fused jazz with new styles. Until his death in 1991, he was a trailblazer for younger generations of musicians.
With her unique voice, which spanned almost four octaves, Ella Fitzgerald is one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. Born in 1917, she thrilled audiences all over the world from the 1930s until her death in 1996. Her interpretations of jazz standards were characterised by perfect intonation and unprecedented virtuosity. The "Queen of Jazz" won 13 Grammys and broke down numerous barriers as a woman in the male-dominated jazz scene. Ella Fitzgerald remains a role model and inspiration to this day.
But jazz is also very much alive in the 21st century. One example is the US trumpeter and composer Theo Croker, who is one of the most exciting voices in contemporary jazz. In his compositions, the musician, born in 1988, combines elements of jazz, soul and hip-hop to create a contemporary sound. On albums such as "Star People Nation" and "BLK2LIFE", he also campaigns for more diversity in the jazz scene. He proves that jazz is still relevant today.
With her breakthrough album "Come Away With Me" from 2002, US singer and pianist Norah Jones captivated jazz fans and pop listeners worldwide. In her music, the daughter of Ravi Shankar combines acoustic jazz with folk and country to create a timeless, melodic blend. Born in 1979, she continues to release successful albums that have won several Grammys. Her voice and piano playing are her trademark.
British DJ Berlioz mixes jazz sounds with house music. In his tracks, he skilfully samples saxophones or pianos and adds house beats to them. Berlioz quickly became internationally recognised with his debut EP "jazz is for ordinary people", helped in particular by social media. His unique sound combines danceability with the exciting aspect of jazz.
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