1960's

1960's
The first of many new styles in the 1960's is called Modal Jazz. This style of jazz started to venture passed the major and minor scales to form altered intervals between common tones. Soloists could now switch keys and form new harmonics when playing. This became especially useful with pianists, guitarists, trumpeters, and saxiphonists. Bill Evans is one pianist who is famous for his mark on Modal Jazz.
Another style of Jazz during the 60's is called free jazz. The name of this style pretty much explains itself but it is when soloists follow no "rules". Two musicians are said to be the founders of free jazz and they are Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane. At first it was debated by many other musicians on whether this style of music should even be considered music because it did not follow any set melody or tempo. Free Jazz then found its place in "underground jazz" even thought Free Jazz continues to influence many today.
The next style which was originated in the 60's is called Sould Jazz. Soul Jazz branched off from Hard Bop and was then one of the most popular Jazz styles in the 1960's. In this style, the soloist improvises with chords to create an exciting rhythm with a varying bassline. Once again Horace Silver was able to make an influence and help bring Soul jazz to a popular style of Jazz by playing the piano and later on the organ gained a part in Jazz.
The last style of of Jazz in this decade is called the Groove. It is another branch off Soul Jazz and draws its tones from the Blues and focuses mainly on rhythm. Somtimes refered to as "Funk" music concentrates on a continuous rhythm (hook) complimented lightly by other melodies either by instruments or lyrics. Groove is considered full of joyous emotions so it is inviting to dancers in either slow bluesy vamps or up-beat. Solos are kept to beat and are small so they dont play a huge role in this style.