During the decades of the 1950s and 1960s in the United States, a type of music emerged that became very popular for easy listening. Also known as chillout, lounge music in contemporary terms is often known as the type of sounds heard in a hotel bar, piano lounge or casino. The first appearance of this genre was back in the 1920s, when it was termed light music.
This particular genre has a number of musical influences. Just a few of these influences include downtempo, swing, electronica, space age pop, polynesian and exotica. Jazz is a particularly important influence as this is where the genre actually originates. Latin styles such as bossa nova are also important in this genre. The instruments commonly used include the piano, guitar, drums and vibraphones, but also a lot of ethnic percussion.
The feeling this genre of music evokes is one of tranquility and being transported to a peaceful place. Examples of this could be outer space or the jungle. The key theme through listening to this style is most certainly relaxation, especially when one considers where this type of music is heard. It is perfect for an easygoing social setting.
While most of the genre is instrumental in nature, especially when it comes to the more modern examples, there are indeed a number of singers who attribute their success to their beginnings as lounge singers. In the swinging thirties and forties, known at the swing jazz era, this style was prevalent. However, during this time, the singers were more highly regarded than the sound itself.
The Rat Pack, comprised of Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, were key figure at this time. Other known singers from the era include Sonny King, Jackie Gleason, Sam Butera and Louis Prima. Burt Bacharach was a musician, producer and songwriter who provided much of the music that these artistes would perform to. He is both a multiple Grammy and Academy Award winner. Most of the singers of this time were found in the casinos of Las Vegas.
In the nineteen nineties, Combustible Edison, Love Jones, The Cocktails and The High Llamas were just a few of many groups that revived the genre. In nineteen ninety-six, Capitol Records released an entire seris of Ultra-Lounge albums. The genre itself was very different to the other popular style at the time, known as grunge.
In the new millennium, musicians and singers have revamped the entire genre by combining strong elements of contrasting musical styles. An example of this would be Richard Cheese and Lounge Against The Machine, who covered both metal and hip hop tunes but in the manner of a lounge singer. Nouvelle Vague, a band from Paris, did something similar where 80s post-punk tunes were redone.
There are a number of nightclubs that are less like the loud, dance environment of a regular club where these tunes from this genre can be experienced. These clubs are styled more like high end bars where cocktails and mingling are the focus. There is rarely a separate dance floor, but partially private rooms are often available for a more intimate social setting. It is a much more subdued environment than a regular nightclub.
This particular genre has a number of musical influences. Just a few of these influences include downtempo, swing, electronica, space age pop, polynesian and exotica. Jazz is a particularly important influence as this is where the genre actually originates. Latin styles such as bossa nova are also important in this genre. The instruments commonly used include the piano, guitar, drums and vibraphones, but also a lot of ethnic percussion.
The feeling this genre of music evokes is one of tranquility and being transported to a peaceful place. Examples of this could be outer space or the jungle. The key theme through listening to this style is most certainly relaxation, especially when one considers where this type of music is heard. It is perfect for an easygoing social setting.
While most of the genre is instrumental in nature, especially when it comes to the more modern examples, there are indeed a number of singers who attribute their success to their beginnings as lounge singers. In the swinging thirties and forties, known at the swing jazz era, this style was prevalent. However, during this time, the singers were more highly regarded than the sound itself.
The Rat Pack, comprised of Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, were key figure at this time. Other known singers from the era include Sonny King, Jackie Gleason, Sam Butera and Louis Prima. Burt Bacharach was a musician, producer and songwriter who provided much of the music that these artistes would perform to. He is both a multiple Grammy and Academy Award winner. Most of the singers of this time were found in the casinos of Las Vegas.
In the nineteen nineties, Combustible Edison, Love Jones, The Cocktails and The High Llamas were just a few of many groups that revived the genre. In nineteen ninety-six, Capitol Records released an entire seris of Ultra-Lounge albums. The genre itself was very different to the other popular style at the time, known as grunge.
In the new millennium, musicians and singers have revamped the entire genre by combining strong elements of contrasting musical styles. An example of this would be Richard Cheese and Lounge Against The Machine, who covered both metal and hip hop tunes but in the manner of a lounge singer. Nouvelle Vague, a band from Paris, did something similar where 80s post-punk tunes were redone.
There are a number of nightclubs that are less like the loud, dance environment of a regular club where these tunes from this genre can be experienced. These clubs are styled more like high end bars where cocktails and mingling are the focus. There is rarely a separate dance floor, but partially private rooms are often available for a more intimate social setting. It is a much more subdued environment than a regular nightclub.
