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A Voice As Smooth As Silk

Original Publication
February 13, 2014
Last Updated
Jan 16, 2023 4:39 PM
Tags
Music

Spotlight on Jazz

Jazz is a genre of music started in the southern part of the United States by black people and is known for its blending of African and European music traditions. Jazz spawned the creative talents of artists such as Duke EllingtonLouis ArmstrongElla Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday. It was through jazz that these artists were able to express emotions and talents that stemmed back to their roots. Bringing to light musical techniques such as syncopation, improvisation, and swing, Jazz has had a lasting effect on modern music. Since its creation, Jazz has spawned numerous sub-genres and styles as well as creating a new style of dance. Jazz is not only a voice created by black people but an art that brings to mind the image of an American era.

A Voice As Smooth As Silk

Smooth—

All the way back to the beginning

A merging of worlds,

A collision of souls

Poured over ivory keys

Exploding in brass bellies

Under moon lit streets

As the beat steadies steps...

Evolution at its finest

Telling story after story

Note after smooth note,

Playing in my ears...

Out of darkness, beauty is born:

A voice smooth and pristine

Belted out of saxophone rifts

And trumpet glisses

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References & Footnotes

  1. "What is Jazz?". Jazz in America; visited February 2014
  2. David Baker. "The Influence of Jazz". National Public Radio. 1999
  3. "The History of Jazz". Scholastic; visited February 2014
  4. "Duke Ellington Biography". Biography.com; visited February 2014
  5. "Louis Armstrong Biography". Biography.com; visited February 2014
  6. Estate of Billie Holiday. "Billie Holiday Biography". Billie Holiday Official Website; visited February 2014
  7. Universal Music Enterprise. "Ella Fitzgerald Biography". Ella Fitzgerald Official Website; visited February 2014

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