Introduction

Picture this: it’s a cold rainy day and you are sitting in a cafe sipping on a beverage of your choice. What do you hear overhead filling the shop? Jazz. Which is arguably the most relaxing music unless we’re talking bebop. Tune in to this article to learn how jazz came to be, the true essence of jazz, how you can experience live jazz yourself, and get recommendations to start your own autumn playlist.

A Mini Jazz History Lesson

Many people think that jazz started in the early 20th century. Contrary to public belief, jazz mainly originated in the 19th century. Jazz initially derived from “the blending of African music and Caribbean music… joined by marching band instruments.”  Another big influence of jazz is rooted in New Orleans music and the blues. Eventually the ethnically diverse music transformed into the jazz we know today. In the end, jazz gained mass popularity in the 1920s. (https://jazzobserver.com/the-origins-of-jazz/)

The Jazz Mood

The soothing sound of jazz flows through the wind carrying the fallen leaves. The pitter patter of the rain has a rhythm of its own. Jazz is unpredictable, it is spontaneous, not one song can be played exactly the same every time, it is forever changing. Just like jazz, the coming of autumn brings a world anew. The deciduous trees paint a landscape of orange. Agriculture is ready for harvest, seeds are planted, cycles are reset. Even on a less metaphorical level, jazz is incredibly relaxing. All you want to do on a crisp and cloudy day is relax and stay warm and this music brings that warmth. The rich tone of wind instruments, the deep rumble of bass, and playful piano is what makes up this phenomenal music genre. 

Our Canyon Jazz Band

As many of you readers know, Canyon has a various instrumental program but, did you know we have a jazz band? You may not because it is an extracurricular program. Mr. Whang conducts and teaches this group and once in a while they perform in the MPR! I had always heard of its existence through the grapevine and finally made it to a show in late September where they performed two songs they are working on for their Fall show. My choir teacher, Mr. Hurty, told us to go watch and support a New Zealand band program visiting from Hamilton. It had ended up being a joint performance and I was absolutely thrilled. Both our school and Hamilton Boys’ High School showcased incredible skill; my personal favorites played were “Autumn Leaves” and “A Train”. This Tuesday, October 8, our school’s jazz band will be performing at 6:30 in the MPR, it is free to anyone who can come. I’ll see you there!

Need some ideas to create the perfect Autumn Playlist?

Here are some songs (not just jazz) that I adore and completely encapsulate the feeling of a crisp autumn day:

• • Into the Unknown ft. Jack Jones from Over the Garden Wall
  • Prelude from Over the Garden Wall
  • Mr. Fox in the Fields by Alexandre Desplat
  • Thanksgiving Theme by Vince Guaraldi Trio
  • Ruby Tuesday by The Rolling Stones
  • Blackbird by The Beatles
  • ‘Tis Autumn by The Nat “King” Cole Trio
  • Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. by Simon & Garfunkel

• • Mrs. Robinson by Simon & Garfunkel
  • Autumn Leaves by Frank Sinatra
  • Autumn in New York by Frank Sinatra
  • Pale September by Fiona Apple
  • The Great Pumpkin Waltz by Vance Guaraldi
  • Early Autumn by Woody Herman and His Orchestra
  • Autumn Serenade by John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman
  • Leaves That Are Green by Simon & Garfunkel
  • September in the Rain by Frank Sinatra
  • Linger by The Cranberries
  • Falling Leaves by Glenn Miller & The Glenn Miller Orchestra
  • Kooks by David Bowie
  • October Twilight by Steve Conway
  • Autumn Nocturne by Lou Donaldson
  • It’s Only a Paper Moon by Bing Crosby & Rosemary Clooney
  • Orange Colored Sky by Nat “King” Cole
  • I Will by The Beatles
  • There She Goes by the La’s
  • 1979 by the Smashing Pumpkins
  • But Not for Me by Harry Connick, Jr.
  • These Days by Nico
  • September Song by Sarah Vaughan & Harold Mooney and His Orchestra
  • In a Sentimental Mood by Ella Fitzgerald
  • Black Coffee by Peggy Lee