I’d say punk Jazz, or even, Pure Jazz?
“every librarian has its theory”
Its punk. We could quibble as to exactly which strain of punk, but that would be semantics.
One thing it definitely isn’t, is jazz. There are none of the stylistic, harmonic, melodic, or compositional characteristics that would even be remotely related to jazz.
Edit: unless you are referring to free form…which i suppose there is a case for, but still, it’s punk.
Yeah, it’s the free form aspect that turns me towards jazz, the vocals are utterly random, the guitar is hectic, it’s a controlled mess and that’s why it’s amazing, also why I might suggest it’s a form of jazz?
Isn’t Jazz an attempt at escaping from norms?
I know that might bring up major issues but that’s what I always associated jazz with, an attempt at playing random stuff and trying to get a grip on it, and that means it’s an everlasting goal, you can’t hold it……
No. Jazz is a genre with a rich history and an enormous amount of stylistic tropes, cliches, and norms that make each subgenre what it is.
Cool Jazz is what it is because it adheres to certain “rules”. Bebop likewise. Smooth jazz (love it or hate it) the same. Ragtime, Afro-Cuban, Swing, Big Band, the list goes on and on, but each one of them has characteristics that make them so.
I say this almost as if it is exclusive to Jazz, which it isn’t. NWOBHM bands are classed thus because they have certain musical traits. What separates DnB from Jungle? This is just how genres work. The characteristics of Punk (original flavour, not the later stuff from the US) could be something like:
-Simple song structure
-aggressive, usually political or social themes on lyrics
The video you posted fits all of those criteria far better than it would for any genre of jazz, including free form.
I think you need to listen to some jazz, and I don’t mean that in a mean way. I mean it in the most exciting way possible, you’re in for an adventure. Pretty much all of the greats were not playing random things, they were developing new harmonic and melodic concepts as the genres evolved, sure, taking things from western classical theory and blending it with other things, including just being sonic pioneers of just how far you can push the envelope and still bring it home, but to say “random” is to do a colossal disservice to the skill and knowledge these guys have/had.
Happy to recommend stuff to listen to if that’s of interest to you
Hey post some tracks, I def got my own idea of jazz in my head that could well be wrong, I know jazz to be an attempt to control dissonant tones, I kinda fully believe that is what it is, but perhaps that’s my own ignorant view, if you post like three tracks I’ll have a listen, can you tell me what to listen for as well.
Why do I have this idea tho? Is Jazz truly a set thing?
would you be able to post a pure jazz song, and then a free jazz uhhh set? I think that could help me hear a difference. I have a set view of jazz in my mind that for whatever reason won’t budge,
I’m prob making a complete fool of myself, only way I’ll learn I guess
Ok, so, for starters, there isn’t really a genre called Pure Jazz. What I will do is give you three songs, each from different genres (in chronological order)
Big Band -
Bebop -
Cool Jazz -
Now, you were on the right line with the following:
It isn’t quite right though. Dependent on the genre, jazz doesn’t see dissonance as the end goal, but a big characteristic of jazz is the idea that dissonance (tension/release) is a very powerful musical tool and should be used and explored. None of the examples that I’ve posted (all of which are typical of their genres) feel like dissonance is the endgame.
I won’t post any free jazz because that would involve me going to look for free jazz, and, well, I hate it so I don’t want to hear it
Edit: You’re definitely NOT making a fool of yourself. Learning new stuff is never foolish. The only foolish thing would be to do the opposite and refuse to learn. Being open to learning is one of the most admirable qualities in a person, and you should be lauded for it. In fact, the way you were open to information like that is the main reason I took the time to write lengthy replies. Your curiosity and openness made me want to help Be proud of your curiosity, and never be embarrassed to learn new things.
Ouch! lol Not really my taste, but then again - I’m old! hahaha I would say these guys are punk musicians doing what they do with some different sounds. That’s my opinion. @WhammyStarScream I sure do enjoy your posts, and the spirit of discovery is strong with you! Music is supposed to be enjoyed, so whatever it is you listen to it’s meant to be enjoyed. Way less importance on defining “what it is” exactly.
Now as far as some good examples of Jazz? Man, there is so much out there so many different styles!
Joe Pass - Virtuoso album is a Holy F**K moment for anybody who’s serious about guitar and playing technique.
John Coltrane - In my opinion anything by him is a great example of some very, very cool jazz. Bebop really.
Miles Davis - Kind of Blue is a good one to get started with. Miles’ work defined a lot of jazz, no doubt about it. He was always pushing the boundaries!
Django, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Chick Corea… Okay, I am going to stop now - there’s so much more.
Rock on!