In Conclusion

To wrap up the season's round of blog posts, I'd like to leave a few words to remember when thinking of jazz and the awesome world of music.

First of all, the idea that jazz is based around improvisation is a critical thing to know when listening to jazz. Unlike the majority of any other genre of music, jazz artists perform extensive solos that they make up on the spot. Next time you're listening, keep this in mind. Not only are the solos incredible, but they're also a one-time thing that's being created as the song is recorded or performed.


Secondly, try branching out with the music you listen to. When you turn on the radio, it's easy to find a popular music, rap, rock, or country station, but beyond those genres lie a lot more music that's waiting to be found. I'm not talking only about jazz this time. Like my fellow writers on the Soulflex blog, techno and electronica are genres that are as full of great music as any other. Focusing on one genre is not as good as you might think it is. Try a new genre sometime.

The last thing I'd like to say is to always remember "the music". Don't allow the anyone to brainwash your ability to recognize amazing music. (Sometimes people get so caught up in what's rated as 'good' by the rest of the world that they forget about enjoying the music themselves) Always remember the characteristics that musicianship, talent, ingenuity, creativity, and quality bring to creating great music. Always listen to music that you enjoy; it has more mental effects than it may seem to be able to provide. Finally, always keep the spirit of the music. If you enjoy listening to music, never let that change. If you play an instrument, never allow yourself to quit. If you collect music from a genre, continue listening. If you love going to concerts, keep going to them. Never allow yourself to lose touch with "the music".