Throughout the nineteen fifties and sixties, a style of music became prevalent that had first appeared on the musical scene about thirty years prior. Lounge music is defined as a chillout, easy listening style. It is a very mellow form that is most likely to be heard at hotels, such as in their bars or lounges, or at casinos.
There are many influences to this musical genre. These include electronica, downtempo, space age pop, swing, polynesian, bossa nova, exotica and particularly jazz. Instruments typically used to create tunes in this genre are vibraphones, the guitar, drums, the piano and ethnic percussion.
The notion behind this genre is to feel a sense of being somewhere tranquil and mellow. This could be the jungle or outer space. The idea when listening to this genre is definitely one of relaxation, which is understandable considering the locations in which it can be predominantly heard. It is a great way of facilitating an easy social atmosphere.
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 1990s, this genre enjoyed a complete revival with musical groups like Combustible Edison, The Cocktails, Love Jones and The High Llamas. In the mid-90s, a series of albums known as the Ultra-Lounge series was released by Capitol Records. The genre was in complete contrast to the grunge style that was also popular during this time.
At the turn of the century, the genre was again spun to create new sounds by using a combination of musical styles. Richard Cheese and Lounge Against The Machine did a number of covers of hip hop and metal tracks in the style of lounge singers. Similarly, Nouvelle Vague, a French group from Paris, used eighties post-punk tracks as the basis of their creativity.
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.
There are many influences to this musical genre. These include electronica, downtempo, space age pop, swing, polynesian, bossa nova, exotica and particularly jazz. Instruments typically used to create tunes in this genre are vibraphones, the guitar, drums, the piano and ethnic percussion.
The notion behind this genre is to feel a sense of being somewhere tranquil and mellow. This could be the jungle or outer space. The idea when listening to this genre is definitely one of relaxation, which is understandable considering the locations in which it can be predominantly heard. It is a great way of facilitating an easy social atmosphere.
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 1990s, this genre enjoyed a complete revival with musical groups like Combustible Edison, The Cocktails, Love Jones and The High Llamas. In the mid-90s, a series of albums known as the Ultra-Lounge series was released by Capitol Records. The genre was in complete contrast to the grunge style that was also popular during this time.
At the turn of the century, the genre was again spun to create new sounds by using a combination of musical styles. Richard Cheese and Lounge Against The Machine did a number of covers of hip hop and metal tracks in the style of lounge singers. Similarly, Nouvelle Vague, a French group from Paris, used eighties post-punk tracks as the basis of their creativity.
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.
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