Mainstream Jazz

Mainstream Jazz emerged in the 1930s, primarily in the United States, as a polished version of the more rambunctious styles that came before it; think Velvet Rope with fewer bouncers and more brass. Characterised by smooth melodies, catchy tunes, and a healthy dash of improvisation, it sounds like the kind of music that makes your martini taste just a bit more sophisticated, even if it still comes from a plastic cup. Strikingly popular, it became the soundtrack to many a swanky soirée, proving the right soundtrack can make questionable dance moves seem almost elegant.