Background Jazz Product

The roots of Background Jazz Product lie in the functional music of the early 20th century, specifically the Muzak of the 1930s, which sought to increase productivity and soothe nerves in workplaces.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the library music industry (with labels like KPM and Bruton) began mass-producing stock jazz tracks for television and radio use, establishing a template for generic, high-quality jazz instrumentals.

The 1990s saw the rise of 'Coffee Shop Culture' (popularized by chains like Starbucks) and the sale of 'Dinner Jazz' CD compilations, which solidified the public association between soft jazz and relaxation.

The genre formally coalesced in the 2010s with the dominance of music streaming services. Platforms required vast amounts of royalty-free or low-cost content to fill algorithmic playlists. This led to the creation of 'Background Jazz Product' as a distinct metadata category, populated by artists (often pseudonyms for production teams) creating music specifically optimized for background consumption, focus, and relaxation.

Composing for this genre requires a focus on consistency and pleasantness.

Instrumentation: Stick to a classic jazz trio or quartet format: Piano (often the lead), Upright Bass, Drums (played with brushes), and occasionally a soft Saxophone or clean Electric Guitar.

Rhythm: Maintain a steady, medium-slow tempo (70-100 BPM). Use light swing or Bossa Nova patterns. Avoid erratic drum fills or sudden tempo changes.

Harmony: Use standard jazz progressions (ii-V-I) with extended chords (Major 7ths, 9ths) to create a sophisticated sound, but avoid dissonant intervals or 'out' playing that might distract the listener.

Melody: Melodies should be lyrical, repetitive, and simple. Solos should be melodic and restrained, avoiding virtuosic displays.

Production: The mix should be warm, clean, and compressed to ensure a uniform volume level, preventing any instrument from jumping out of the mix.