Jazz in Mexico

Jazz in the United States, had its start in New Orleans and is known for its complexities, fusion, and improvisational efforts, which later diffused to Mexico. Because of that, an influx of Mexican

History of jazz in Mexico#

From 1900 - 1960 the jazz phenomenon occurring in the U.S. transcended onto Mexico as well. This was able to happen due to the Afrodiasporic network that shaped jazz and took it through the Gulf of Mexico to lower North America. Around the 1920’s economic prosperity in Mexico made Mexico City, a desirable spot for Afro-Antillean migrants who brought the presence of Afro-Antillean Music. Early recordings of jazz in Mexico can be traced back to the late 1920s. Throughout the 1940’s Hispanic musicians learned to compose, and translate jazz learned in the United States, and they would bring it back to Mexico to start their own jazz groups. During the 1980’s is where the decline of jazz in Mexico can be observed. This decline can also be attributed to the shift audiences had from being interested in the big orchestra format to small group structures called “combos”. But in the 1990’s, although there is a further lack of support, this decade produced the most recording in the jazz genre in Mexico.

Mexican Jazz in media#

In 1935 American record labels contributed to the growing jazz culture by setting up production plants in Mexico.

Jelly Roll Morton#

Jelly Roll Morton was one of the first composers of jazz in New Orleans. From Creole decent, he was born in New Orleans. Jelly Roll would use Spanish/Latin influence to produce his jazz records even referring to it as the “Spanish/Latin tinge”. thus popularizing Latin inspired jazz and cultivating the foundations of jazz in Mexico.

Big Bands#

The big band format was impactful when initially introduced and still influences modern Mexican music today. This genre was so heavily popularized that it caused competition with other popular genres of the time such as Ranchera, Danzon, and Boleros.

Mexico City#

In Mexico City there was a blend of seasoned veterans and beginner jazz musicians. Anyone who goes to Mexico City will see a multitude of jazz cafes, underground jazz bars, and various jazz bands all working together from various backgrounds. Jazz musicians from all over the country often go to Mexico City to realize their jazz talents, bringing musicians from diverse musical backgrounds such as marimba or Mexican rock.

Modern development of jazz music in Mexico#

Jazz in the modern century and decades has been established as more of an individual endeavor now taking place in smaller venues rather than designated musician halls. Due to events such as the COVID-19, the jazz scene in Mexico has been heavily limited, especially since it has been known to take place in small, confined spaces.