History of Jazz Fusion. Social Changes and Jazz Fusion Essay

History of Jazz Fusion. Social Changes and Jazz Fusion - Essay Example When looking at the jazz fusions of the 1960s and 1970s, it can be seen that there is a direct relationship to both the expression of artistic advancement as well as the commerce which is associated with this. The combination of both intents by the various artists is one which has created several formulas for jazz fusion and has led to different sounds as well as new commercial opportunities for musicians. The formats and the interest which is surrounding this continues to remain as a main initiative with the idea of jazz and the promotion of specific formulas which can be used for higher interest among individuals who enjoy this particular expression of music. History of Jazz Fusion The propagation of jazz in the 1960s and the 1970s was associated with changes which were occurring in music during the time. Traditionally, jazz was known as an experimental style and was based on improvisation. However, the jazz form was constructed as the foundational movement with the ability to add in extra components to this. The construction of the jazz tradition was based first on the social roots, which was inclusive of innovation and experimentation as the basis of the art. The styles and periods that were before this time began with the blues, which emerged into swing, free jazz and jazz be-bop. Each of these related to finding a diverse way of expression, moving into improvisation that would be accepted and looking at more complex ways of examining style and expression. By looking at these components, there was the ability to create a different understanding and progression of jazz and the meanings which it held in contemporary society (DeVeaux, 1991: pg. 525). The historical aspects of jazz that led to the jazz – fusion of the 1960s was also inclusive of historical associations with popular culture of the time as well as the jazz culture that was well – known. The ideal of innovation, progression and the invention of new sounds was a part of the foundatio nal formula of jazz. However, the 1960s and 1970s began to move into these formulas not only as aspects of experimentation, but also moved into the ability to change the styles according to the sounds that were common during the time. This stayed in line with the jazz tradition and was able to tap into the cultural styles that were beginning to form in the contemporary society, such as rock and roll as well as pop. The concept of American jazz and the several branches which grew from this emerged during this time, specifically in light of the innovation and foundational ideologies of experimentation that were a part of jazz (Peretti, 1997: p. 35). Social Changes and Jazz Fusion Another aspect which was changing the way in which jazz was presented in society was from the cultural and social affiliations with music. During this time frame, jazz was known to be at a crossroads. There were traditions of jazz which were well – known to many; however, these were considered classics and often couldn’t be expressed in the same way. Repeating the same expressions in jazz through the traditional forms and the blues elements became one which didn’t work with the needs for jazz. At the same time, there was an emergence of cultural and social expressions that were based on diversity of thought as well as a changing ethnic identity within the culture. The traditions of music began to form within the culture as the main association of identity and were expanded on to reach specific groups who could best relate to these ideologies. The social movements were then a part of the jazz expressions and fusion that became a part of this time frame (Barkley, 2007: 6). The concept of creating a new sense of identity was one which jazz formed specifically because of social movements and the relationships which could be created. The Civil Rights Movement, aspects of free expression and the liberty to expand on various forms of ideals were the main concepts