About the Course
Greetings and welcome to our comprehensive 12-week course exploring the rich historical trajectory of jazz, the profound significance of the bass guitar, and the cultural heritage of African ethnic music. The objective of this course is to guide students through an exploration of the evolutionary development and interconnectedness of these unique musical genres.
Jazz is an art form that is distinctly American in nature, with its origins traced back to the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, during the early years of the 20th century. The aforementioned musical style emerged as a consequence of the creative efforts of African American performers who skillfully incorporated elements of ragtime and blues traditions, so giving rise to a unique and distinctive form of American music .
The bass guitar is widely recognised as a prominent musical instrument that has exerted a substantial influence on the sonic landscape of jazz and rock genres. The invention of the instrument can be attributed to Paul Tutmarc during the 1930s, and it has subsequently gained significant prominence in contemporary music .
The term "African ethnic music" refers to the wide array of musical traditions found across the African continent. The aforementioned traditions have exerted a significant influence on various other musical genres, such as jazz and rock .
Throughout this course, students will acquire knowledge pertaining to the historical development of these genres, their cultural relevance, and the reciprocal effect they have exerted upon one another. In addition, students will acquire knowledge on the prominent musicians who have significantly influenced various genres and their notable contributions to contemporary music. We anticipate that you will derive pleasure from this captivating exploration of the historical trajectory of jazz, the bass guitar, and African ethnic music.
Your Instructor
Bright Gain
Bright Gain, a jazz performer, composer, improviser, educator, motivator, and Christocentric thinker, hails from Ughelli, Delta State. He is recognised as an international jazz bassist who actively advocates for the promotion of jazz music. Additionally, he is known for his unwavering commitment to the Christian faith. Bright Gain is a prolific composer, having created a vast repertoire of musical compositions. Additionally, He have authored a total of seven albums, including a notable collaborative effort with the esteemed American jazz bassist David Friesen. Furthermore, He have written four books and have actively promoted the genre of afro-bebop. Notably, He initiated the establishment of the Jesus International Jazz Festival in Lagos Nigerian, He is also the founder of Gain Jazz Conservatory.