Music Legacies: How Jazz Influenced Modern Hip-Hop

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Most people fail to realize the influence of jazz music in the development and flourishing of modern hip-hop. Today, jazz has the reputation of being "the music for the oldies;" pictures of seedy cafes and elderly people chain-smoking come to mind. This is an unfair imagery as it completely disregards why and how jazz started in the first place

During the early 1900s, the music was rigid and singular. People were not allowed to dance or listen to “inappropriate” music. However, in the state of New Orleans, a new rebellion was forming; an interesting twist of European melody and East African rhythm. This unique blending of style and music would eventually become known as jazz. As one can imagine, this was not accepted by the majority. But it served as a rallying point for disillusioned youth; a sort of energetic rebuttal to what was musically acceptable at the time.

Does this sound vaguely familiar?

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Eventually, of course, jazz became so popular that the entire nation began to embrace it as its own. Jazz was no longer the music of rebellion or youth, but of the establishment. Today’s modern hip-hop sounds with its unpoetic poetry and discordant tones reminds us of youth’s rebellion once more. It reminds society that there will always be non-conformists and that each generation finds its own voice through different melodies. Jazz was the voice of my youth, hip-hop is the sound of yours.

This is why it has become extremely important for people past the age of 60 to remind the young of the importance of jazz; how it serves as the foundation for musical rebellion. This, hopefully, would lead to a shift in how people view the genre. Christopher J. Keehner believes that New Orleans jazz has played an important part in musical growth. Learn more about his passion by following this Twitter account.

The Difference in Hearing Jazz on the Streets of New Orleans

One of my dreams is hearing a live jazz band on the streets of New Orleans. All of my friends who have experienced this tell me that there is a subtle but incredibly distinct difference between hearing something on a disc and seeing it live. Additionally, there is an added meaning to hearing music from its actual birthplace.

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New Orleans has always been considered the "birthplace" of jazz. It was where Eastern Africans incorporated their sensual beats with the rather rigid conformity of European music. Jazz was born from two different parents, and what a child it was! Not only did it introduce a new level of sound but completely broke the boundaries between interracial and gender relations. Whites and blacks were seen grooving to the same sound, and women suddenly were encouraged to dance with men. It was an exciting period, an age of rebellion. Sometimes I find it funny how younger adults claim jazz to be the music of the old when it really should be likened to what rap or hip-hop is today. It was something new and dangerous at the time. In fact, it was considered to be highly dangerous when it was born.

Hearing this all in its homeland is a dream I will soon fulfill. As cliché as this sounds, I truly believe that the spirit of music does linger in the place where it began. To be sure, hearing a live jazz band anywhere is thrilling, but I do not doubt that there is something brilliant about hearing it on the streets where it all began.

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Christopher J. Keehner here. I simply love jazz. There is no other way to describe how I feel other than sincere and genuine love. Learn more about my passion by following me on Twitter.

The Role New Orleans Played In Jazz Music

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Each musical genre has its own history, but one of my favorites is that of jazz music. For me, nothing exemplifies an epic cultural revolution than the one begot by jazz. Allow me to explain.

During the late 19th century, the city of New Orleans was undergoing a musical shift. While the rest of the country was moving toward solid military marches, New Orleans was being heavily influenced by the voodoo rhythms brought on by migrants from East Africa. It was in this state where New World slaves were allowed to own and play their own instruments, typically drums. Not only were voodoo rituals openly practiced, but they were also well attended by both the rich and poor. Thus, European-styled sounds began mixing and blending with African drums. A new musical sound was created, and it was christened “jazz." People were enthusiastic about it; jazz was incredibly different from what everyone else was listening to. It was music that people could dance to – and dance they did.

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I find it beautiful that the spirit of jazz has lived on in New Orleans. When I do get the chance to visit it, I am always struck by how unchanged the place seems. The people are lively, and it always feels that there is something worth celebrating. As the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans also produced the most well-known groups and singers that personify the genre. And while there is a debate on when jazz officially started, whether it was in 1895 with Buddy Bolden or in 1917 with Nick LaRocca and his Dixieland Jazz Band, all musical experts will agree that without New Orleans’ tolerance during the late 19th century, jazz would have never been born. We should all be grateful for that.

Christopher J. Keehner here. I am an avid jazz fan and love learning new things about my favorite musical genre. Learn more about my passion by following me on Twitter.

To the Moon: Celebrating 100 Years of Frank Sinatra

Legends will never be forgotten. Frank Sinatra was, indeed, one of the best musicians that marked an impact on the hearts of many. The songs he wrote and sang stirred the emotions of his listeners. As the whole world marked his centennial birth anniversary, artists from different musical backgrounds came together to give him the tribute he deserves.

Francis Albert “Frank” Sinatra was born on Dec. 12, 1915 in New Jersey. Sinatra first released his solo album entitled “The Voice of Frank Sinatra” in 1946. His music was well received and loved by many—regardless of the people’s preference for genre.

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He was a total performer—he charmed his audience with marvelous singing style and tap dancing skills. He also played instruments and starred in many different musicals and movies. His talent was never unnoticed, as he was able to bag three Golden Globes and 13 Grammys in his lifetime. Because of his massive contribution to American pop culture and the music industry, he was given a number of honorary doctorate degrees, a Kennedy Center honor, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as an Order of Merit awarded by the Italian government.

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To celebrate Sinatra’s wonderful years, people paid tribute to the musical legend by releasing centennial albums, concerts, as well as TV specials, keeping his memory alive.

Christopher J. Keehner here. Learn more about my passion for jazz music when you connect with me on Google+.

The Legacy of Etta James: The Sassy Songbird of Jazz

Everyone knows her for her signature hit, “At last.” With her passionate vocals and sweeping orchestration, her rendition stood the test of time to the point where many listeners thought that she wrote it. For the record, At Last is not an Etta James original. It is a song written in the 1940s for the musical film, “Orchestra Wives.”

Although her name would be forever linked to the song, there is actually more to Etta James than what her listeners pigeonhole her for. Try digging a little deeper and you will see a lively, bold, and full spirited singer.

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 Using her whole heart, Etta sang with such depth. You could feel her pain, her joy, her sorrow and her hope. With a single tune and phrase, she could stop your heart with every rhythm and note that comes from within her soul.

In a musical era when women were expected to be cool, pretty and nice, she was fearless and would always make you wonder how she channels that vast well of emotion. To see and experience what I am talking about, visit YouTube and watch her string of bluesy and jazzy hits like “All I Could Do Was Cry,” “Trust In Me” and “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.”

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 The thing, however, that makes her truly special is her persona as a singer. She never hides the meanings of songs. Music styles may have changed, but Etta has stuck to her hard-charging approach throughout her career.

Hey there! Chrisopher J. Keehner here, a Philadelphia businessman with a passion for sports and Jazz. I share more articles on jazz and sports here.

Business Hacks: How to Grow Your Small Business

Starting a business is no easy endeavor. Spotting a great business idea from others is hard enough, trying to grow the business is another hurdle. The following are business hacks for growing your company:

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Develop and maintain your business mission and vision

Starting a business without a solid plan is a recipe for disaster. It's important to establish the basic mission and vision to identify priorities easily and make goal planning and execution much smoother.

Choose the right team

Some startups make the mistake of hiring for convenience but as entrepreneurs, one should never settle for anyone less than best. Your starting team will make or break your new business.

Embrace networking and social media

Networking is a vital part of the business and attending functions, seminars, and other social gatherings can help you do this. With the rise of social media as a legitimate business instrument, it has become imperative for businesses to utilize as an avenue for advertising and to create and manage connections.

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Use technology to your advantage

Social media isn't the only technology you can use for your business. Technology can make work easier and faster helping you be productive and efficient.

Hey, Christopher J. Keehner here! Learn more about business by subscribing to my blog.

Absolute beauty in jazz and EDM fusion

We live in a world that is constantly changing -- lifestyle, technology, knowledge and, of course, music. Jazz has had the nasty habit of not blending well with other kinds of music, but others find a way to create an exemption. Artists like DJ Quantic and Robert Glasper are stepping up the bar with jazz music by combining the soulful jazz with the electric dance music (EDM), giving birth to "Nu Jazz."

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At first, the idea of mixing soulful and slow music of jazz with the sharp, electric, and fast tempo of EDM seems off-putting, mainly because the two genres are complete polar opposite, but with careful tweaks, the impossible has been deemed possible. The fusion has already sparked a trend that today’s DJs start investing in adding country and jazz samples or focus on electro-house music. All of which today’s generation seems to enjoy.

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But DJs nowadays like to include samples in their mixes that we've heard of R&B, spoken word and country, but none had the glitter that Nu Jazz brings. In fact, such movement has brought forth new artists and a fresh opportunity to create music that combines our beloved jazz with the energy of dance music resulting in a soothing sound that is both energetic and meaningful. And I thank the musicians who found a way to create such a perfect genre, for, without them, the jazz industry wouldn't have had a much larger following now.

To others, jazz is just a type of music, but to aficionados like me, it is life and soul. My name is Christopher J. Keehner, and for more quick reads on jazz, follow me on Twitter.