From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Postmodern Fusion is a contemporary musical genre that encompasses elements of postmodern thinking and musical composition. It is a synthesis of several key postmodern ideas/attitudes and musical development. This genre's main objective is to offer a higher connectivity to the listener through the use of specific melodies and rhythms that are pleasing and memorable to a wide variety of music listeners.

Postmodernism accepts the fact that society has progressed beyond the modern era. The philosophy of postmodern thinking is highly contested, but seems to manifest two key points:

1. Eclecticism 2. Interconnection

Postmodern thinking generally holds that technology has a profound effect on all cultures. As a result of this technological advancement, postmodernists believe different cultures are no longer mutually excluded. As a result, differing opinions and/or schools of thought can be combined to form new, (and often) more relevant meaning in everyday life. Postmodernism generally involves an attitude of personal eclecticism that is meant to establish or increase personal identity and meaning. Many with these views seem to consider themselves "independent thinkers" with personal ideas/opinions that are filtered considerably from those in popular culture.

Fusion is a musical style that incorporates elements of jazz, rock, blues, soul, Motown, R&B and funk. Generally, fusion has traits of long improvisations, rock/pop rhythms, and repeating rhythms. Fusion has had the most development within the last half of the 20th century. This coincides with the creation of above listed styles upon which fusion composers draw inspiration.

Postmodern Fusion can be thought of as one evolutionary direction from fusion. This musical genre generally has a higher purpose that involves a composer/performer/audience connection on a deep level. Fusion style elements are utilized as "tools" of the connection process; satisfying repetitious (or groove) rhythms are used to accentuate listener experience. An electic postmodern composer will bring elements of other musical styles together in similar manner to a "fusionist", but with the idea of placing the melody at the forefront for listener connectivity purposes. Improvisational sections also carry the importance of melodic connection, often with shorter and more meaningful material. Complexity in forms generally has its concentration in smaller harmonic chord structures (rather than changing movements within a piece). Virtuosic playing is not limited, but purveyors of this style generally do not seek to surpass audience inclusion simply for ego gratification. Recordings and performances are not specifically intended to be "perfect" in terms of musical errors and production. A high degree of professionalism is exhibited, but not at the expense of the experience being created.

• Spirit Jazz Project
• The Independent 11/5/06
• Wikipedia: Postmodernism