What is Dark Jazz Noir? Exploring The Moodiest Jazz Subgenre
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Dark Jazz Noir: The Moodiest Jazz Subgenre

Originating in the early 20th century, jazz has branched into so many styles. It has around 50 subgenres, or even more – depending on how you categorize them. And among all these sub-genres dark jazz (also called jazz noir) is the most atmospheric and moodiest one. So what is this fascinating music style? To put it simply:

It’s often called the saddest type of jazz, though I wouldn’t necessarily agree with that definition. Music can be moody without being sad. “Introspective” and “hypnotic” are more appropriate words.

I like to describe dark jazz as the perfect soundtrack to a scene at home or in a bar, where you sit near the window, looking out at the night city. Raindrops roll down the glass, subtle sounds from the streets slip in. And in this introspective atmosphere, smooth, soothing melodies of piano, sax and bass slowly dance with your thoughts.

Musical Characteristics of Dark Jazz

Dark jazz is one of my favorite styles of jazz. It has a unique sound that sets it apart from other subgenres. It’s much slower, sometimes heavier, and always very moody. But not necessary in a sombre way, more of an atmospheric type. I would even go as far as to call it the most atmospheric style of jazz. Slow and smooth tempos create a very specific feeling – sensation of otherworldly, cinematic perspective. It’s like you become a part of a scene from a noir movie.

Instrumentation obviously play a huge role in how the music feels. Dark jazz loves instruments like saxophone, double bass, piano, drums, and also occasional electronics. Reverb and echo effects add a spacey ambient sound. Minor keys and subtle tones create intimate and very introspective atmosphere.

I know it may sound way too abstract. So why not listening to this music yourself? Maybe it will be easier to see what I’m trying to describe. Here’s a song by arguably the greatest dark jazz band ever Bohren & der Club of Gore. Grab your best headphones, sit back, relax, close your eyes, and let the music carry you:

Influences and Evolution

While dark jazz comes from traditional jazz, it is its own music style. For starters – it is darker. It also sheds the upbeat energy and replaces it with a much moodier vibe. Rich instrumentation is still there though, so you can always expect top notch sound.

When it comes down to genre’s influences, film noir soundtracks had a big influence on it. Also classic crime films and comics. Jazz noir borrows and integrates a lot of ambient elements. If it helps create a haunting impending feeling, why not using it, right? So don’t be surprised to hear interesting experimental (avant-garde) electronic sounds.

Notable Artists and Bands

If you research the genre online, you will see several key artists and bands, that pop up in fan discussions. The most influential is Bohren & der Club of Gore, whom I mentioned earlier. It is a German band that stood at the very roots of doom jazz and helped develop it into what it is today. Their hypnotic, slow-paced music with satisfying tunes captures the dark atmospheric mood of the genre just perfectly. I highly recommend checking them out.

There’s also The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble. This band mixes dark jazz with electronic and experimental elements. They often switch the pace in their songs, add female vocals, and mix in a lot of ambient sounds. Here’s a good example of their music:

Other popular names include Dale Cooper Quartet & the Dictaphones, and Mount Fuji Doomjazz Corporation. These artists chose a more improvisational approach and stronger ambient sound. But you can easily find beautiful compositions that belong in dark jazz category.

Secret Behind Its Popularity

Dark jazz has found a place in music that was previously empty. It filled a gap so to speak. Introspective, dark, brooding, highly artistic, sophisticated, its cinematic sounding compositions brought a fresh feel to jazz. Music fans discovered something unique and intriguing.

Jazz noir has built quite a following within niche subcultures. I know many fans of experimental ambient music who really enjoy it. It’s the kind of music that finds followers in gothic or even doom mental communities.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for music that evokes a strong emotional response and creates a palpable, moody vibe. If you want music that can effortlessly bring in moments of reflection, and help you clear out the outer noise – dark jazz could be the perfect genre for you. It’s all of the above and more.

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