Sunday, 7 November 2010

Jazz Drum Loops And All That Jazz

By Hank Jones

Jazz is a unique form of American music that has been around for over a hundred years. While jazz drum loops have evolved through many different styles throughout history, a core group of instruments are always used for this style of music. These instruments can be arranged in many different combinations to give unique sounds that help create the various sub-genres of Jazz.

The combination of many instruments throughout the years evolved into the greatest music the world has ever known. Just think about the many pieces that were played in bands that represented various holidays, states or groups of people. Although the sounds of various instruments were monumental in creating music of today, it would not have the results that it did without the addition of the drums.

Music all over the world has advanced to include many different types of music genres, which also includes jazz, which has produced some fine tunes that also included a type of music called Swing. Swing bands consisted of many instruments including sax, trombone, clarinet, drums and many others.
Prior to the twentieth century, drums were played in marching bands, halls and other such gatherings. Many people danced and marched in unison, however, the drum kept music in rhythm. Without the skills of the drummer, music would sound off beat and out of key.

One of the first types of jazz to incorporate the drums was swing. In the 1930s, small jazz ensembles began forming and adding one drummer into the group. The drummer was then known as the time keeper. The time keeper did not receive any mention with his title as he was only there to help the band members keep in time to the music, therefore no credit was given for his creativity.

Swing band materials were normally composed of simple, repeated patterns known as a drum loop. During the early jazz years, the drum loop was played by the drummer and the other band members would play their instruments as a soloist as well in a group within the same song. As the years passed and jazz grew to be a more popular form of music, the drummer was able to be more creative with their instrument.

Drums make a world of difference in any type of music, especially jazz. When listening to the drum in Jazz music, you can hear that they have an amazing rhythmic quality and sound structure. Drums can make even the most boring show, upbeat and fun. Although the drum is rarely the soloist, amazing compositions can be made when adding a drum into jazz music.

The drum in particular is never boring or dull. It has added fun and an upbeat sound to the music scene. The time keeper will continue to play in a band, upholding that particular beat for years to come. All the while, continuing to inspire those musicians who have yet to make their name known. - 42265

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