Remembering Abdullah Ibrahim: South African jazz legend passes away at age 91
The iconic South African jazz artist, Abdullah Ibrahim (previously known as Dollar Brand) has passed away at age 91, writes Music News Blitz’s Tyler Lai Sai.
He is widely considered a cultural icon amongst South Africans.
Ibrahim’s work pioneered the sub-genre of Cape Jazz and his work was used for anti-apartheid movements.
Music opinion: Women are making jazz cool again
Jazz originated within African-american communities in New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th century.
It became popular globally during the prohibition era in the 1920s and was the main genre until the 1940s and 1950s when Bebop rose in prominence.
Popular jazz artists include Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis and John Coltrane – an era that was defined mostly by the male artists of the time.
The 1950s and 1960s solidified that jazz was no longer a main genre, instead being replaced by Rock & roll.
In recent years, jazz has had a resurgence, with female artists at the forefront, writes Music News Blitz’s Darshan Kaur Gill.
Jazz underpinned by nostalgia - but has paved the way for other genres
Jazz is, undeniably, a core pillar of music as it stands today.
As a genre, it has had unshakeable influence and development - its traits can be heard in all sorts of genres, and jazz singers have earned their places as some of the most renowned vocalists of modern history.
Here, Music News Blitz’s Isaac James details the intricacies of the genre - from its origins to its legacy today.
Jeff Goldblum's new album ‘Still Blooming’ captivates old-style music with modern-day artists including Ariana Grande
Actor Jeff Goldblum released an album featuring big stars such as Ariana Grande on Friday, April 25, titled ‘Still Blooming’ which has taken many by surprise.
The album itself consists of nine songs and 39 minutes of jazz and orchestra including remakes of big band classics, from Frank Sinatra and Vera Lynn.
Four songs on the album are purely jazz instrumentals, performed by the orchestra Golblum collaborates with to make music, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.
Following his recent appearance in the movie Wicked, he has collaborated with the two main stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, to remake popular songs from classic big bands.