Swing is a type of jazz music that gained popularity in the 1930s and remained dominant until the end of World War II. Both jazz and swing share many similarities, making it difficult for some to differentiate between the two music styles. This article explores the distinctions between these two musical traditions.
Jazz music originated from the musical legacy of African American communities in the United States in the early 20th century. It resulted from the fusion of European and African musical traditions in the southern states of the US and has been influenced by popular American music. Jazz is a continuously evolving music genre with a rich history spanning over a hundred years.
Jazz emerged when African communities who migrated to the US encountered European music. It is an unconstrained and flexible genre with a lot of improvisation. Jazz has significantly contributed to the world of art and culture, particularly American music. To understand jazz music, think of it as having a strong meter, rhythmic patterns, lots of improvisation, and a distinctive tone that characterizes African carefree attitudes and outlook on life.
Key Takeaways
- Swing is a style within the genre of jazz, incorporating more rhythm to make jazz a dancing style of music.
- Swing music became popular in the 1930s and continued until the end of World War II, performed by big bands in front of dancing audiences.
- Jazz is an unconstrained and flexible genre with a lot of improvisation, characterized by a strong meter, rhythmic patterns, and a distinctive tone.
