Identifying the Genre: 1950s and 1960s Jazz-Influenced Music with Heavy Brass

When thinking about the music from the 1950s and 1960s that is characterized by a jazzy feel and prominent brass instruments, there are several genres that fit the description. Two well-known ones are Swing and Big Band music, which gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s and continued to influence music for decades afterwards.

Swing and Big Band Music

Both Swing and Big Band music are marked by strong rhythms and rich brass sections, often incorporating trumpets and trombones. These styles were very influential in the decades of the 1950s and 1960s, laying the foundation for many subgenres and influencing future generations of musicians. Another related genre that emerged in the late 1940s and 1950s is Jazz Fusion, which blends jazz with rock and funk, often featuring brass instruments as well.

Traditional Pop and Classic Vocal Albums

Some individuals might refer to this music as Traditional Pop or Vocal music. This genre encompasses a wide range of artists and styles, including pop singers like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Dean Martin, performing with classic vocal tetras and rhythmic arrangements.

Frank Sinatra, for instance, continued to perform in a classic pop style well into the late 1950s and early 1960s. An example of this earlier sound can be heard in his 1952 recording of "I Get a Kick Out of You." By 1962, however, his sound had evolved, moving towards the more stereotypical "Frank Sinatra sound."

Other Notable Artists

Nat King Cole and Dean Martin are also prime examples of traditional pop vocalists who dominated the charts during the 1950s and early 1960s. Nat King Cole's rendition of "Almost Like Being In Love" from 1952 is a classic example of this style, while Dean Martin's 1964 hit "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" showcases a similar jazzy and traditional sound.

Bobby Darin, a popular pop singer in the late 1950s and early 1960s, is another notable artist who contributed to this genre. His 1959 hit "Beyond the Sea" remains a popular choice, reflecting the enduring appeal of traditional pop music during this era.

Artificial Shift in Sound

It is worth noting that the transition from traditional pop music to other styles, particularly rock and roll, was not entirely natural. According to some scholars, the shift was more of a sharp break in 1955, in response to the increasing popularity of rock and roll. This artificiality is evident in the fact that many traditional pop artists like Sinatra and Cole continued to perform successful songs well into the early 1960s, only then transitioning to a new sound.

Research and Further Exploration

The genre of this music can be difficult to pinpoint due to its diverse nature. However, terms like Swing, Big Band, Standards Pop, Pop/Vocal, and Easy Listening are frequently used to describe this style of music. It is also worth exploring specific artists within this genre to gain a better understanding of the sound and context of the music from this era.

For a more in-depth exploration, you might want to visit music archives or websites like Tower Records, where Frank Sinatra's albums fall under the category of Classic Pop Vocals. This classification highlights the enduring appeal and historical significance of this music genre.