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Lo smooth jazz è un genere musicale derivante fondamentalmente dal jazz, con caratteristiche stilistiche affini alla fusion, al pop e al funk che lo rendono più commercialmente fruibile ad una fascia più ampia di ascoltatori rispetto al jazz tradizionale.
Lo smooth jazz è un genere musicale derivante fondamentalmente dal jazz, con caratteristiche stilistiche affini alla fusion, al pop e al funk che lo rendono più commercialmente fruibile ad una fascia più ampia di ascoltatori rispetto al jazz tradizionale.
Smooth jazz is a term used to describe commercially oriented crossover jazz music. Although often described as a "genre", it is a debatable and highly controversial subject in jazz music circles.
- What Is Smooth Jazz?
- What Is Smooth Jazz Known for?
- Who Created Smooth Jazz?
- What Makes Smooth Jazz Distinctive?
- What Influences Smooth Jazz?
- Is Smooth Jazz The Same as Contemporary Jazz?
- Who Are Some Famous Smooth Jazz Musicians?
Smooth jazz is a fusion of jazz and easy-listening music, causing it to embrace jazz instruments and musicality while also being widely accessible. Many consider it a commercially-oriented venture, as the softer sound appeals to a far broader audience than some of the more feverish jazz subgenres. Overall, smooth jazz tends to be downtempo. It’s hi...
As mentioned above, smooth jazz involves many traditional jazz instruments but uses a much softer approach. Improvisation isn’t generally part of the equation. Instead, smooth jazz favors melody and has an inherent degree of predictableness as the song unfolds. Essentially, smooth jazz feels incredibly polished, developing gentle grooves with broad...
In most cases, Grover Washington, Jr. – who rose to prominence in the 1970s – is considered the founder of smooth jazz. A talented songwriter and saxophonist, he began incorporating easy listening, and R&B sounds into his songs. The music had an increasing amount of soulfulness, leading to a softer feel. In the end, he was effectively creating a ne...
Generally, the most distinctive element that separates smooth jazz from most traditional jazz is that smooth jazz shifts away from improvisation. While improvisation can occur, the emphasis is on a clear melody. Smooth jazz also has a highly soulful quality. For some, smooth jazz has an introspective feel, as the softness provides space for the min...
Smooth jazz is primarily influenced by traditional jazz, easy listening, and R&B. It uses many jazz instruments and techniques but adds the broad appeal and soft soulfulness that usually comes with easy listening and R&B.
Technically, contemporary jazz and smooth jazz aren’t the same, but they can share many features. Both are considered fusion styles, incorporating sounds from modern music genres – such as pop, easy-listening pop, R&B, or hip hop – to create music with a broader appeal than many other types of jazz. Contemporary jazz is one style that incorporates ...
Grover Washington Jr
Grover Washington, Jr. is largely credited with inventing smooth jazz. He began fusing jazz with pop and R&B, using light funk arrangements and a soulfulness that made his music broadly appealing. The album Inner City Blues, released in 1971, allowed him to rise up the charts. Subsequent albums, particularly Winelight, cemented his place as a legend among smooth jazz fans.
Wes Montgomery
An exceptional guitarist known for producing warm melodies, Wes Montgomeryis considered highly influential in the world of jazz. While he was recognized for his talent during the 1960s, his commercial success was initially limited. He began adding pop elements to his albums, forgoing some of the adornments more classically associated with jazz, causing him to become an integral part of the development and rise of smooth jazz.
George Benson
George Benson is largely considered a crossover jazz artist and is an exceptional guitar player. He easily weaves between smooth jazz, straight-ahead jazz, and R&B, typically creating a clear sense of flow that’s highly captivating. Plus, George Benson is adept at building, adding energy that isn’t always found in these softer genres. As a result, he stands apart from many other renowned smooth jazz musicians, essentially harnessing his unique take to keep listeners engaged.
Smooth Jazz is an outgrowth of fusion, one that emphasizes its polished side. Generally, smooth jazz relies on rhythms and grooves instead of improvisation. There are layers of synthesizers, lite-funk rhythms, lite-funk bass, elastic guitars, and either trumpets, alto, or soprano saxophones.
Lo smooth jazz è un genere musicale derivante fondamentalmente dal jazz, con caratteristiche stilistiche affini alla fusion, al pop e al funk che lo rendono più commercialmente fruibile ad una fascia più ampia di ascoltatori rispetto al jazz tradizionale.
R&B and funk influenced jazz that is usually considered a very "poppy" and commercial form of the genre. Usually very downtempo and mellow, and features prominent bass. Almost always instrumental. Melodies are usually made with saxophones, but may also include trumpets, guitars, clarinets or oboes. Synthesizers and electronic drums are very common.
