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How to Describe Fusion Jazz

Jazz fusion incorporates other musical styles such as rock-and-roll, pop music and rhythm-and-blues. Classic jazz -- also known as Dixieland -- originated in New Orleans and Chicago in the early 20th century, and merges instruments such as trumpets and clarinets with a rhythm section of piano, guitar, drums and string bass. Fusion jazz uses more electronic-based instruments such as synthesizers and electric bass. Jazz fusion can be described as a hybrid of classic jazz improvisation with electric instruments and rhythms and beats from other popular musical forms.

Instructions

    • 1

      Describe the use of instruments in jazz fusion. Explain that jazz fusion features electric guitars, synthesizers and heavy percussion, whereas traditional jazz is based on horn sections that include saxophones, trumpets and trombones.

    • 2

      Describe the use of rock, salsa and R&B beats and rhythms. Jazz fusion is filled with guitar solos, extensive drumming and upbeat tempos that differ from the big-band swing sound of traditional jazz.

    • 3

      Provide a list of some great jazz fusion practitioners and what made them so distinctive. Explain that artists such as Miles Davis put together accompanying bands that played electronic keyboards, funk-based electric bass guitar and throbbing percussion. Davis distorted his trumpet with electric effects to create a hybrid of classic jazz and electronic music.

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