The shift in jazz from ‘pop music‘ to ‘artsy music’ can be attributed to several factors that occurred over time. These factors include changes in the social, political, and cultural landscape, advancements in technology, and the evolution of musical styles and genres.
One of the significant influences that contributed to the shift in jazz was the emergence of the Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Movement brought about a sense of social consciousness, and musicians began to use their music to express their views on social and political issues. This movement inspired jazz musicians to move away from the commercial aspect of music and explore new musical ideas and forms.
Another contributing factor was the influence of European classical music on jazz. Jazz musicians began to incorporate elements of classical music, such as complex harmonies and time signatures, into their music. This led to the development of a more sophisticated and refined style of jazz, which was considered more “artsy” than the earlier, more commercial forms of jazz.
Advancements in technology also played a role in the shift in jazz. The advent of high-fidelity recording equipment and the rise of radio and television broadcasts enabled jazz musicians to reach a wider audience. This, in turn, led to increased demand for more complex and challenging music.
The evolution of musical styles and genres also had a significant impact on the shift in jazz. The emergence of rock and roll and other popular music genres in the 1950s and 1960s led to a decline in the popularity of jazz as a commercial genre. Jazz musicians responded by exploring new musical styles and incorporating elements of other genres into their music, leading to the development of new and more complex forms of jazz.
In conclusion, the shift in jazz from ‘pop music‘ to ‘artsy music’ can be attributed to a combination of factors, including changes in the social, political, and cultural landscape, advancements in technology, and the evolution of musical styles and genres. These factors led to the development of a more sophisticated and refined style of jazz, which was considered more “artsy” than earlier forms of jazz. Sources: “Jazz: A History of America’s Music” by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns, “The Jazz Book: From Ragtime to Fusion and Beyond” by Joachim E. Berendt, and “The Oxford Companion to Jazz” edited by Bill Kirchner.
