What is jazz noir genre?

Jazz noir, also known as dark jazz or noir jazz, is a subgenre of jazz that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s in the United States. It has roots in film noir, a style of American crime films that were popular at the time.

Jazz noir is characterized by its moody, atmospheric, and melancholic sound, which often features slow tempos, minor keys, and dissonant harmonies. It incorporates elements of blues, bebop, and cool jazz, but often with a darker and more somber tone. The instrumentation typically includes piano, saxophone, double bass, and drums, with occasional use of trumpet, trombone, or guitar.

Some of the most prominent jazz noir musicians and composers include Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, and Charles Mingus. Their music often reflects the gritty urban landscapes of the time and explores themes of love, betrayal, and despair, which are common in film noir.

Jazz noir has influenced many other musical genres, such as trip-hop, chill-out, and downtempo, and continues to inspire contemporary artists today.