Jazzy House: A History of Smooth Grooves and Funky Beats
Jazzy house, a subgenre of house music, emerged in the late 1980s, blending the soulful melodies and improvisational spirit of jazz with the infectious rhythms and driving basslines of house. It’s a heady mix of sophistication and dancefloor energy, a sonic cocktail that captures the essence of both genres.
The Roots of Jazzy House:
Early pioneers like Larry Heard (aka Mr. Fingers) laid the groundwork with tracks like “Can You Feel It?” and “Mystery of Love.” These songs showcased the interplay between jazzy chords, soulful vocals, and hypnotic beats, laying the blueprint for the genre.
The Rise of the Genre:
The 1990s saw jazzy house reach its peak, with labels like Strictly Rhythm and Defected releasing a steady stream of innovative tracks. Masters at Work (Kenny Dope and Louie Vega), Kerri Chandler, and Roy Davis Jr. became prominent names, crafting lush, soulful sounds that resonated with a global audience.
Funny Facts:
The “Jazz Hands” Dance: One of the first popular jazzy house tracks, “The Horns” by Reel 2 Real, featured a memorable music video with an energetic dance routine, forever immortalizing the “jazz hands” move in dancefloor history.
Jazz Fusion: The Unexpected Crossover: In a surprising twist, the iconic Miles Davis sampled a track from a jazz house compilation for his 1992 album “Doo-Bop.” It’s a testament to the genre’s influence even outside the dance music scene.
The “Jazzy House” Meme: While not a real thing, the internet is full of humorous posts about the genre, often involving the exaggerated “jazz hands” dance and the iconic “wah-wah” sound effect.
Beyond the 90s:
Despite the dominance of other house subgenres in the 2000s, jazzy house continues to find new life through contemporary artists like Purple Disco Machine, Jamiroquai, and DJ Spen. These acts inject modern production techniques and soulful vocal samples into the classic formula, ensuring that the genre remains vibrant and relevant.
Jazzy House is more than just a musical genre; it’s a feeling, a celebration of the spirit of jazz and the joy of house music. So, put on your dancing shoes, feel the groove, and let the jazzy house take you on a musical journey.
