The Jazz Age
In 1900, Jazz emerges in New Orleans. From 1900 to 1945, Famous American music
has also changed as there have been several historical changes in the United
States. At the time of World War I, ASCAP founded to protect the rights of
composer and first recordings by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band spark national
jazz craze. As science progressed, radio, telephones, and theaters were created.
From 1919 to 1933, as Prohibition Law revised and racism intensified, jazz and
blues were in a frenzy. During the 1920s and 1930s the production and
consumption of popular music was deeply influenced by new technologies,
including radio and phonograph records.
Q. Listen to “The Japanese Sandman”, Any effect causing Orientalism?
In the case of early songs without lyrics, I thought it would have been mainly used
in cartoons for light and lively melodies, but when the lyrics were made, the
atmosphere of the song became a little heavy, and the historical situation of the
East at that time was well revealed in the song lyrics, so I felt that the
characteristics of the Orientalism were deepened.
Q. Why is American popular music and dance based on black culture?
Black culture and American music are inextricably linked, stretching back to the
time when enslaved people were imported from the shores of Africa, bringing with
them the roots of their music and culture. Those roots changed music history—for
all of us—forever, and that influence continues today.
I think the reason white people try to imitate black culture is probably because of
American history. The United States has a shorter history than other Western
countries and is an independent country. Unlike European music, American music
does not value tradition, and since it is an independent country, it would have
been necessary to make people of various races one community. Therefore, the
medium was black culture, and white people would have a nationalist perception
while imitating black culture.
Q. Make further research about American tango.
American Style Tango evolved as a ballroom dance from the sultry Argentine
Tango danced by gauchos and prostitutes in the brothels of Buenos Aires.
American Style Tango features sharp movements, head snaps, and a cat-like and
stealthy foot action. The music is in 4/4 time and has a marching rhythm.
Q. Make comparisons between European tango and American tango.
1. Posture & Connection: In American Tango, the posture is balanced backwards,
with the shoulders and head pulled back, making it similar in this respect to the
other smooth / standard ballroom dances – waltz, foxtrot, quickstep, and Viennese
waltz. This contrasts sharply with the upright head and shoulder positions of most
forms of European Tango and the characteristic forward lean of Tango (Estilo)
Milonguero.
2. Musicality & Music: The music used for dancing American Tango differs from
that used for dancing European Tango (de Salon); it has a sharper, staccato,
march-like rhythm, typically accented by drums and occasionally other percussion
instruments
Q. Listen to the Original Dixieland Jazz Band and King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band.
I think Original Dixieland Jazz Band is closer to the soul of jazz. Original Dixieland
Jazz Band used a little lower tone, slower speed and less bit change. These
characteristics make Original Dixieland Jazz Band reveal African American ragtime.
My question
1. Why is jazz called America's classical music?
2. Why do people all over the world enjoy tango today?
