Zur Geschichte des Jazz in Serbien
The initial origins of Jazz in Serbia, which decisively influence its entire modern culture in numerous aspects, are to be found in the adoption of transatlantic dances after the First World War in Serbian light music. In this connection, we first encounter the term Jazz in 1932. The swinging dance-music of the 30's left musicians´ possibilities open for Jazz-like improvisations, which result in early influences on works of the so-called E-music (serious music). After the Second World War, in the setting of increased interest for Jazz in the Serbian Socialist Republic, a sharp rise in the musicians' artistic and technical skill is noticeable, and for the first time, Jazz develops independently of light music. The first Jazz orchestras are formed, such as, "Dinamo", "The Big Band utejesov", or the Big Bands of the Novi Sad and Pristina radio stations. The Belgrade Jazz Orchestra, originally influenced by Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Quincy Jones, and modified through local folklore elements, provides a center of modern tendencies in urbanized Serbian music, and is internationally recognized. The Jazz scene in Serbia is further enriched with frequent concerts by foreign solists, such as Dizzy Gillespie, the late Louis Armstrong, Oscar Peterson, Miles Davis and many others. In recent times, Jazz has experienced a strong popularization, which not leastly can be traced back to the work of the "Jazz and Light Music Union of the Serbian Socialist Republic", as well as to the integration of Jazz in the teaching program of music academies. The production of Jazz records, which up until now was only possible through the Belgrade Radio-Television station, will be expanded in the future by co-productions with American labels. Current television and radio programs, as well as the annual Belgrade Jazz Festival, are prime examples of the continuous program which provides a very lively Jazz scene in Serbia.