Instrumental music comes in all shapes and sizes. From classical inspirations of the past to the hip and upbeat music of today, instrumental songs don't seem to be going anywhere. The following is only a brief look into a few of the more popular types of instrumentals with some popular hits that I feel brought those genres into the light.
When I used to think of instrumental music my mind instantly drifted to the boring music that's played in elevators, grocery stores and in hotel lobbies. The fact is it can be just as moving without lyrics as some songs that have lyrics. Way back in the 1700-1800's Classic instrumental music was the most popular type of music with artists like Mozart and Joseph Haydn topping the "charts". A person with even half an ear would never say that Mozart was boring! If you've never taken time to stop and smell the roses listening to Mozart's Andante, Adagio, or Rondo compositions you are surely missing out on one of our world's most precious gifts.
My next category is Jazz instrumental music. It evolved from a variety of genre's to become what it is today. With its gentle rock and funk rhythms it's easy to see why in the 1970's it became a favorite to many. "So What" by Miles Davis and John Coltrane's "My Favorite Things" are just a couple of my favorites. Both are very beautiful jazz instrumental pieces. Many of you readers will know "My Favorite Things" from the movie, "The Sound Of Music." Although this is a great vocal song, as a Jazz compilation it is made better in my own opinion.
Now onto my favorite instrumental category: Rock instrumental music. To me, there are two very different types of Rock instrumental categories. First there was the early music of the 60's and 70's. These bands usually featured organs, saxophones, pianos and some guitar. Some of the most famous bands/artists from this time were The Ventures "Walk-Don't Run", The Allman Brothers Band "Jessica", and let's not forget Booker T and the MGs "Green Onions". The second type came later in the 80's. This is when all the "big hair" bands were dominating the charts and many solo guitarists began to emerge. Steve Vai "For The Love Of God", Stevie Ray Vaughn "Little Wing" and Jason Becker "Perpetual Burn" are among my favorite guitarists and songs. If you've never heard these guitarists you should seriously look them up.
So there you have it. Just three of the many categories of instrumental music to chose from. These are just my personal favorites and I hope you enjoyed reading about them. As far back as classical music and right up until today instrumental music has been playing somewhere and I have no reason to believe that it will be snuffed out anytime soon. Until next time...
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