Cool Jazz

Cool is a style of modern jazz music that arose following the Second World War. It is characterized by its relaxed tempos and lighter note, in contrast to the bebop style that preceded it. Cool Jazz often employs formal arrangements and incorporates elements of classical music. The term "cool" refers to a number of post-war styles employing a more subdued approach than that found in other contemporaneous jazz idioms. The term "cool" started being applied to this music around 1953, when Capitol Records released the album Classics in Jazz: Cool and Quiet. There are four sub-categories, with considerable overlap, that encompass cool jazz. 

West Coast Jazz

One of the various forms of jazz is west coast jazz. West coast jazz refers to various styles of jazz music that developed around Los Angeles and San Francisco during the 1950s. West Coast jazz if often seen as a sub-genre of cool jazz, which featured a less frenetic, calmer style than bebop or hard bop. The music tended to be more heavily arranged, and more often composition- based. But, while the style was prominent for some time, it was by no means the only style of jazz played on the west coast, which exhibited more variety than could be conveyed by a simple name. It developed during 1949 and 1950, baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan participated in the Miles Davis Nonet, contributing arrangements to the recordings that were later compiled as Birth of the Cool (1957).

Lost Summer - Paul Hardcastle

This video showcases how good jazz music is. Paul Hardcastle is a well-known jazz musician and one of my favorite artists. His music is smooth and relaxing. It easy on the ears, very well composed and deserves some spotlight. Take a listen and I hope it gives you the same feeling I get.

Topic of Paper

I've decided that the topic of my final paper will be the the history of Jazz music in America. Jazz music is a musical style that has originated at the beginning of the 20 century and has become one of  my favorite types of music. From contemporary jazz to smooth jazz I love it all. It's relaxing and good music to listen to when I need to escape the pressures of everyday life. It's a form of music that I grew up listening to and feel the need to share it with those who may not be a fan of it. I think it will be the perfect topic for me because it is something that interest me. I'll be posting videos and articles pertaining to my topic.

Introduction

Hello

My name is Rashaad Proctor. This blog will chronicle my progress on my final paper. I will be posting information that I collect that will help in creating the paper. If you would like to post videos or information that would help with my paper please feel free to do so. Thanks