mellow

Mellow: A History of Chill Vibes and Unexpected Antics

The word “mellow” itself evokes a sense of relaxation, a soft embrace of gentle sounds. But what exactly defines mellow music? It’s a bit of a slippery slope, a spectrum of sounds ranging from the smooth jazz of Miles Davis to the introspective singer-songwriter vibes of Elliott Smith.

Early Influences:

Mellow music has roots in the 1950s, where cool jazz with its emphasis on improvisation and relaxed tempos laid the foundation. Artists like Dave Brubeck and Stan Getz ushered in a sonic landscape marked by understated cool and sophistication.

The Rise of Folk:

The 1960s saw the rise of folk music which, while not solely mellow, often contained introspective lyrics and simple acoustic arrangements. Artists like Joan Baez and Bob Dylan brought a sense of honesty and poetic beauty to the mellow scene.

Soul & Smooth Jazz:

1970s brought about a golden age of smooth jazz with artists like George Benson and Kenny G crafting soulful melodies and intricate arrangements. This era also saw soul music flourish, with Marvin Gaye and Bill Withers singing about love, life, and everything in between with raw emotion and smooth vocals.

The Indie Evolution:

The 1990s witnessed the rise of indie music, often characterized by a raw, honest aesthetic. While not exclusively mellow, many indie bands incorporated introspective lyrics and slower tempos into their sound. Elliott Smith became a defining figure of this era, his melancholic melodies and heartfelt lyrics resonating with a generation.

Mellow Today:

Today, mellow music continues to evolve. Indie folk acts like Bon Iver and The Lumineers blend traditional folk with modern production techniques, while chillhop artists like Nujabes and J Dilla utilize samples and electronic sounds to create a relaxed and introspective atmosphere.

Funny Facts:

• Kenny G was once banned from performing in a Swiss city due to complaints about his music being “too mellow” and “boring”.
• Miles Davis was notoriously demanding and had a reputation for being a difficult collaborator. He once threw a bass player out of his band for not playing his part “smooth” enough.
• Bob Dylan is known for his introspective lyrics, but he once wrote a song about a man who got lost in the woods and was eaten by a bear.

The “mellow” tag, in essence, is a blanket term encompassing a wide range of styles and artists. It’s a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions and create a mood. And while some may find it soothing, others might find it boring, which just goes to show that music, like humor, is subjective.