12 best traditional jazz

Traditional jazz, often referred to as Dixieland or New Orleans jazz, is a vibrant and influential genre within the broader spectrum of jazz music. Here's a glimpse into this musical tradition:

Origins: Traditional jazz has its roots in the early 20th century, particularly in the city of New Orleans.It draws inspiration from African rhythms, blues, and ragtime, creating a distinctive sound characterized by collective improvisation and a strong rhythmic drive.

Instrumentation: Typically, traditional jazz bands feature a mix of instruments, including brass (trumpet, trombone), reeds (clarinet, saxophone), piano, banjo or guitar, bass, and drums. The interaction between these instruments creates the energetic and dynamic quality that defines the genre.

Collectibles: Traditional jazz has left its mark on the world of collectibles, including CDs and vinyl records. Original recordings from the early jazz era are highly valued by collectors for their historical significance and the unique performances captured on these vintage recordings.

Key Figures: Prominent figures in traditional jazz include Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton, and King Oliver. These musicians played pivotal roles in shaping the genre and influencing generations of jazz musicians to come.

Characteristics: The music itself often features a syncopated rhythm, with instruments taking turns playing lead and improvising while others provide rhythmic support. Traditional jazz is known for its lively and upbeat tempo, making it a favorite for dancing.

Revival and Preservation: While the heyday of traditional jazz was in the early 20th century, there have been revivals and ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate this musical tradition. Festivals and events dedicated to traditional jazz attract enthusiasts from around the world.

Format: As with many genres, traditional jazz has found a home in various formats, from the original 78 RPM records to more modern mediums like CDs and vinyl. Collectors often seek out original pressings and rare recordings to experience the authenticity of the early jazz sound.

Influence on Jazz Evolution: Traditional jazz laid the groundwork for the evolution of jazz as a genre. Its influence can be heard in later styles, including swing, bebop, and beyond. Understanding the roots of traditional jazz provides insight into the rich tapestry of jazz music's development over the decades.

In summary, traditional jazz is a captivating genre with deep historical roots, a distinctive sound, and a lasting impact on the world of jazz music. The collectibles associated with this genre, whether vintage recordings or modern reproductions, offer a tangible connection to the spirit of early jazz.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best traditional jazz on the market
  

Enjoying Traditional Jazz

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Welcome to Dixieland: The Golden Era of European Traditional Jazz

Imports

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Product description

Import 10 CD collection containing 200 well selected songs from the golden era of the European Trad-Jazz scene, many of them appearing on CD for the first time. In the 1950s, stars of the traditional Jazz filled huge venues and songs like 'Ice Cream' from Chris Barber became huge hits. Of course, you will find the big legends of this genre: Chris Barber, Ken Colyer, Papa Bue, Mister Acker Bilk but also the next generation of great Jazz musicians can be found here. Doc.

Playing Traditional Jazz

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Coltrane/Hartman

Universal Music & VI

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The Diatonic Cycle: Essential Exercises for All Jazz, Traditional and Contemporary Musicians

New Orleans Traditional Jazz Legends [6 CD Set]

Mardi Gras Records

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Product description

Claiming a CD each are such local legends as clarinetist Willie Humphrey, trumpeter Kid Thomas, blues and gospel singer Sing Miller and pianist and singer Sweet Emma "the Bell Gal," while Creole clarinet greats Albert Burbank and Raymond Burke share a disc, as do New Orleans trumpet kings Kid Thomas, Thomas Jefferson and Percy Humphrey.

Traditional Jazz Christmas

Grp Records

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Product description

14 songs

Chicago-Style Jam Session - Traditional Jazz Series: Music Minus One Trombone Deluxe 2-CD Set

Music Minus One

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New Orleans Traditional Jazz 5 / Various

Mardi Gras Records

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British Traditional Jazz: A Potted History 1936-63

Lake

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Product description

There have been any number of boxed compilations of 'Trad Greats' and 'Trad Favourites' but this collection attempts to put the story of one of the UK's longest lasting musical genres into context. A 'three-CDs-for-the-price-of-one' collection with a detailed 40 page booklet it traces the development of Trad Jazz from its pioneering days in the early 1950s through its burgeoning popularity during the 1950s to its peak in the 1960s before falling away under the pop music onslaught that was The Beatles. It didn't spring from nowhere and there are tracks from the 1930s showing early interest from dance band musicians particularly George Chisholm, Sid Phillips and Nat Gonella who all recorded in each decade. By the 1960s Trad Jazz records were to be found in the charts, but, as well as including the 'big three', Ball, Barber and Bilk, this collection looks at the lesser known national and regional band who were integral to the growth in popularity of the music. There are 73 tracks many of them very rare and about a third previously unissued.

THE ACOUSTIC GUITARIST'S FINGERPICKING SONGBOOK: Blues, Standards, Traditional, Jazz, Carols, Hymns, Ragtime, Classical, Gospel...

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The Best of British Traditional Jazz

Polygram Records

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