Modern Music with Classical Foundations
Soon after the American Civil War the blues were introduced in the deep south. The inventors were former slaves and their descendants. Music then had become about physical events and lifestyles. Duke Ellington, born in 1899, began his musical career with piano lessons. After a while he sought jazz music and composed some of the greatest jazz records ever known. At the height of the great depression, jazz and swing music became the new groove. Duke Ellington believed it was impossible to dance and be sad at the same time. In no time Duke’s records were played all across the US. Jazz and blues are a perfect example of how current events can shape the course of music. People valued happiness during the great depression and one of the few ways to feel happy was to dance to music.
Ellington’s music seemed so new and vibrant at the time but still relies on chord progressions and musical keys. Jazz takes chord progression to the next level. One of Duke’s best tracks “In a Sentimental Mood” has the progression (Dm Dm7 Dm6 Gm Gm7 Gm6 A7 Dm). This pattern of notes is repeated throughout the song but that calming tone it gives is due to that same dominant to tonic relationship. Although the push/pull is not as evident this makes the track easier to listen to – or catchy.