Jazz: Deep Roots to Hip-Hop Rhythms

 Jazz: Deep Roots to Hip-Hop Rhythms

By David Ishkinazi T3

This article also mainly serves as a list of all the artists I particularly like, and that are worth looking into when trying to get into jazz.

For over a century, jazz has embodied freedom, experimentation, and cultural fusion. Born in the late 19th century in the lively neighborhoods of New Orleans, this musical genre quickly established itself as a major art form, influencing numerous styles, including hip-hop. This article traces the history of jazz, pays tribute to its pioneers, and explores its fundamental role in hip-hop’s evolution.

The Origins of Jazz: A Blend of Cultures

Jazz has its roots in the work songs of African-American slaves, Negro spirituals, and the blues. It emerged within the brass bands of New Orleans, where self-taught musicians combined improvisation, polyrhythm, and syncopation. Among the first notable names were Buddy Bolden, considered the first true jazzman, and Jelly Roll Morton, who helped structure the genre with his refined compositions.

The rise of jazz coincided with the emergence of swing giants in the 1930s, such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Then, in the 1940s, bebop, led by Charlie Parker (below) and Dizzy Gillespie, revolutionized jazz by introducing unprecedented harmonic and rhythmic complexity. These innovations laid the foundation for modern jazz. 

Jazz: A Music Breaking Away from Classical Tradition

One of jazz’s most significant revolutions was its emancipation from classical music. Unlike the rigid structure and strict notation of European classical tradition, jazz introduced improvisation as a central element. While classical music relies on precise scores, jazz gives musicians an unparalleled freedom of expression, transforming each performance into a unique creation. This rupture marked a turning point in music history, making jazz a genre where individuality and spontaneity take precedence over faithful reproduction of a composition.

Pioneers and Essential References

Jazz has given rise to exceptional musicians who pushed the boundaries of musical expression. Louis Armstrong, with his unique phrasing and virtuosity on the trumpet, popularized jazz internationally, bringing swing and improvisation to the forefront. His gravelly voice and charismatic presence made him a defining figure of jazz’s golden age. Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, two of the most iconic jazz vocalists, each brought their own magic—Holiday with her deeply emotional, melancholic phrasing, and Fitzgerald with her incredible vocal agility and impeccable scat singing. Meanwhile, Miles Davis constantly reinvented his art, from cool jazz to jazz fusion. John Coltrane, with his spiritual approach and innovative playing, opened new melodic and harmonic perspectives.

Artists such as Thelonious Monk and Charles Mingus also left a profound impact on jazz history by integrating avant-garde elements and challenging musical conventions. Each of these musicians contributed to making jazz a universal language, constantly evolving.

A Chronological Journey Through Jazz Masters

I will try to cover most of the artists I particularly like, so that you can discover artists that are interesting when you try to get into jazz.

As jazz evolved, it saw the rise of remarkable musicians across different eras. Sydney Bechet was one of the earliest prominent soloists in jazz, pioneering the soprano saxophone’s use in the genre. The legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt, with his gypsy jazz style, brought a unique European touch to the genre in the 1930s.

The 1940s and 1950s introduced swing and bebop greats like Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster, whose powerful saxophone playing shaped the sound of jazz. Pianists like McCoy Tyner, known for his groundbreaking work with John Coltrane, and Tommy Flanagan, a master accompanist, elevated jazz harmony and technique. The same period saw the emergence of Art Blakey, whose Jazz Messengers became a proving ground for future jazz stars, while Lucky Peterson added his blues-infused touch,. Guitarist Wes Montgomery, with his unique thumb-picking technique and octave-based solos, redefined jazz guitar. 

Meanwhile, Oscar Peterson set new standards for jazz piano virtuosity, combining swing, blues, and classical influences. On the other hand, Baden Powell fused jazz with Brazilian rhythms. As he rightly said, Bossa Nova is formed by Jazz' harmony (chords, arpeggios, etc), while its rhythmic roots are anchored in African countries. For him, it is really the fusion between the two that defines bossa nova.  

The 1960s and 1970s brought innovative artists like Bill Evans, who redefined jazz piano with his introspective harmonies, and Cannonball Adderley, who blended bebop and soul jazz effortlessly. These years saw the rise of Kenny Barron, a pianist celebrated for his lyrical touch and harmonic depth. Musicians like Wynton Marsalis led the jazz revival, while Ahmad Jamal and then later on Michel Petrucciani (photo below) demonstrated the continuing richness of jazz piano.  More recently, the jazz scene has welcomed prodigious talents such as Emmet Cohen, a pianist blending tradition with innovation, and bassist Avishai Cohen, who infuses jazz with global influences. 

The versatility of Jacky Terrasson and the technical brilliance of Bireli Lagrene brought fresh perspectives to the genre, and Julian Lage continues to push the boundaries of jazz guitar, while saxophonist Joshua Redman and trumpeter Chet Baker (whose legacy endures) have kept jazz’s melodic essence alive.            

Jazz and Hip-Hop: A Natural Connection

The link between jazz and hip-hop is deeply rooted in their essence: improvisation, freedom of expression, and fusion of influences. As early as the 1980s, hip-hop artists drew from jazz records to enrich their sound. Producers such as DJ Premier, J Dilla, and Pete Rock sampled jazz tracks to create timeless beats.

One of the most emblematic albums of this fusion is The Low End Theory (1991) by A Tribe Called Quest, where basslines and jazz samples create a unique atmosphere. Later, artists like Kendrick Lamar with To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) continued this legacy by directly integrating jazz musicians such as Kamasi Washington into their productions.

Jazz continues to influence modern hip-hop, and figures like Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin and Julian Lage are building bridges between these two worlds, confirming that this musical interaction is more alive than ever.

A Lasting Legacy

Jazz and hip-hop share a common DNA: a music born from the streets, shaped by history, and driven by a quest for authenticity. Far from being a relic of the past, jazz remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration for contemporary artists, proving that its creative force is as strong as ever.

Whether through a sample from an old Blue Note record or direct collaborations, jazz and hip-hop continue their dialogue, affirming that music, like culture, is in constant reinvention.