Ellington and the "Jungle Style" (Swing) 1930 - 1940 (late)
Heres an example of "Jugnle Style" jazz by Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington was born in 1899. Aside from creating a unique style of jazz known as the "jungle style" he also played a large part in pioneering the big band form. Similar to something of an orchestra today, Ellington wrote many pieces often unique to the style of his particular band members. This enhanced the music he produced. Duke always seemed to have a career in music. HIs parents encouraged the use of piano playing from the age of eleven. Ellington went professional at sixteen playing classical on the piano. When he turned seventeen he became fascinated with jazz styles such as Ragtime and because only playing those pieces. Ellington gave the New York Cotton Club a sneak preview of his new "jungle style." The traditional style of Swing was to put one instrument against another so-to-speak. However, Ellington's style made use of many instruments throughout his band which creating a new sensation no one had ever seen. |
Ellington went to infinity and beyond when it comes to jazz. He learned many styles and mastered many skills. His greatness showed most when venues started cutting back on time restricitons for concerts. Now, Ellington and those alike had the oppertunity to play what they wanted to and for the most part, however long they wanted to. This allowed Ellington to really grasp ahold of all his talents and incoperate them into one large piece. Of course he did not write just one peice but it opened up many oppertunities for not only him, but other artitists as well. Ellington was a musical genius who is credited for his own variation of jazz music, and that is why his music will be forever remebered through time. |