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Early Jazz & Dixieland

Early Jazz & Dixieland

Dixieland jazz was one of the earliest developments in jazz music, originating from the drum-based music of New Orleans slaves, as well as influenced by ragtime and marching band music. One of the earliest recordings made of this style was by the Original Dixieland Jass Band, whose 'Livery Stable Blues' was arguably the first jazz record ever issued, although many would prefer the honor of the first jazz recording to go to the African-American instrumental quartet the Versatile Four, which on February 3, 1916, recorded Wilbur Sweatman’s "Down Home Rag" with swinging rhythms, a strong backbeat and a drive that implies improvisation. The 'Dixieland' term is somewhat contentiously used to differentiate the original early jazz styles from later 'trad jazz' revivals. Artists who came to prominence in this era of jazz included Jelly Roll Morton, Buddy Bolden, and the first bona fide genius in jazz, Louis Armstrong.

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Further Reading: Early Jazz & Dixieland

  • Louis Armstrong - Hot Five and Hot Seven Sessions

    Josh digs deep to explore Louis Armstrong's landmark sessions with The Hot Fives and Sevens in the twenties, when 'Satchmo' was at the cutting edge of jazz improvisation.

  • Edmond Hall

    Clarinetist Edmond Hall is the focus of this week's Classic Album feature, a brilliant musician who managed to maintain a long and distinguished career through the changing stylistic tides of jazz.

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