Louis Armstrong and his place in jazz history - Essay Example

Louis Armstrong What a Wonderful World 1967 Little Willie Littlefield (1990) Celine Dion (2003-2006) Esperanza Spalding Historic Jazz Jazz is a beautiful style of music which originated during the 20th century. It started between the African-American communities of the Southern United and was adopted from the European harmony. Jazz has been adopted by different cultures and regions. There are different prominent styles of jazz which has been spread around, from New Orleans Jazz to swing, Gypsy Jazz and also Kansas City Jazz.

Jazz is considered to be restless form of music. Jazz genre has been evolving even since it started and it has never been one form of music. Early jazz was basically defined as being rag time and also as a part of big bands, however the Great depression brought in some new bands and development to the music which was known as the bebop era. It was linked with the modern genres. There are many common characteristics of jazz which has changed and evolved over time and history. The evolution is defined as offbeat rhythm along with improvisations and also syncopation.

There are fundamental differences in early jazz which were from classical music and it became very attractive. There are many amazing Jazz artists which amazing work, and of them is Louis Armstrong from New Orleans. He basically defined how to play jazz with his amazing technical abilities and also with the impulsiveness and enjoyment. He was a master in playing cornet and he played it with many well known bands during his early phase of life. He played it with Zutty Singleton, with Allen Brass Band and also with Papa Celestin’s Tuxedo Orchestra.

He had some Jazz classics under his name, “Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five” and also “Hot Seven” These are not only considered to be absolute jazz classic but also they depict the amazing and strong creative powers of Armstrong. He is undoubtedly a big name in the Jazz world and was treated like a hero for his innovative and absolutely creative jazz style which was not only soulful but also full of joy and relaxation. His music work was dominated by the New Orleans music. His work belonged to the popular act of swing era.

His work made him one of the most famous men in America. His music style was based on commercial sounds of the swing era along with the big band jazz style. ( RICCARDI, R. 2011).  Armstrong was known as an American Ambassador spreading the classic beauty of jazz all around the world. He had a huge international hit during 60’ with his own jazz version of “Hello Dolly” which was amazing and soulful for the ears. Another amazing hit came with “What a wonderful world” in 1967 which was movingly cheerful and optimistic.

“What a Wonderful World” is a beautiful song written by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele. It was recorded in 1967 by Louis Armstrong and it holds a lot of passion and beauty. It is very cheerful and optimistic which depicts clearly Armstrong and his kind of music. The lyrics are extremely positive and it makes one feel great and wonderful about the world. It magnificently talks about the attractiveness of nature and how one can cherish the beauty around. The song is extremely soulful and moving which takes the listener’s heart with every passing beat.

Music is just perfect with the lyrics depicting the exquisiteness of not only the nature but it seems that the music is being described in the lyrics too. Armstrong was known for his creative ability with the trumpet and the cornet. He made amazing improvisations on the records of the New Orleans jazz standard. He brought in daring improvisations to the New Orleans Jazz style which were extremely subtle and melodic. He made the pop tunes more interesting by re composing them. His work is full of creative leaps, original melodies and joy.

One can enjoy his music and stay relaxed due to his driving rhythms. He had great tone, capabilities and range of trumpet. He was an extremely enthusiastic audiophile and was a master in scat singing. He uses to play around with his vocals, lengthening phrases and sometimes shortening them. He interjected improvisations along with using the creativity and imagination in his voice as well as trumpet. His work “What a Wonderful World” is a greatly written and also an absorbing music piece which is full of melancholy and soulfulness.

This piece is appealing for the lowest levels of poverty to the highest and amazing levels of creativity. Louis Armstrong, his work, life and music can be amazingly associated his work on “What a wonderful world”. REFERENCE RICCARDI, R. (2011). What a wonderful world: the magic of Louis Armstrong's later years. New York, Pantheon Books.