Soul jazz is a well-known genre of music that comes under jazz music as a whole. This type of music takes notes from the bops and blues from the 1960s time. Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, and Charles Earland are among some of the very famous soul jazz artists that you might have heard of.
You might be able to relate to enjoying your favorite game with some music in the background. However, you might not know that such melodies have the potential to enhance your brain’s activities. A study found that both the cognitive and motor functions of your brain can perform better while listening to background music. Additionally, the younger generation prefers to listen to music while gaming with a study reporting that 42% of them do this.
Take into consideration these top four jazz soul albums the next time you’re planning a gaming sesh. Whether you choose a friendly poker game or a brainy chess match, this guide will show you a good time.
Back at the Chicken Shack by Jimmy Smith for an Online Poker Session
Jimmy Smith impressed audiences worldwide with “Back at the Chicken Shack” in 1963. It’s considered a classic in the soul jazz genre and earned a well-deserved spot in the top 20 albums of 1963. “Back at the Chicken Shack” deals out bluesy tunes, combined with great grooves that contribute to a laid-back mood. The relaxed environment it sets is perfect for focusing on an online poker match.
Listening to this album while engaged in a game like poker can help you greatly. Poker is a game that requires you to remain concentrated at all times, reading the table and your opponents, and the same is true about online poker as well. By listening to such music you gain confidence and motivate yourself to calculate moves and make the right decisions.
Putting on the right soundtrack for moments such as this affects the overall mood as well. “Back at the Chicken Shack” ensures you have this optimal backdrop playing that sets the tone while not being distracting in the slightest. You can keep your attention on where it is needed the most, the poker game.
Whether you play poker online or in a physical setting, the importance of music cannot be ignored. It keeps you calm and collected throughout and enhances the overall experience of the game. Many poker players prefer to put on a soundtrack while they play.
Idle Moments by Grant Green for Arcade Games
This album was released in 1965 and blends hard bops and soul jazz in harmonious melodies. It’s been described as Grant Green’s greatest moment on record, and rightfully so.
“Idle Moments” is known for its relaxed vibe and dreamy lyrical composition. This leads to it having sort of a soothing effect on you, making it an ideal choice for when you’re in the mood for arcade gaming.
The lengthy performances of the tracks along with the grace with which Green handles the guitar bewitches you, allowing you to focus on any arcade game you play. It’s a valuable addition to any gaming playlist.
Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock for Video Games
Herbie Hancock’s music career spans over five decades and in this timeframe, he has managed to amass 14 Grammy Awards. Hancock released “Head Hunters” in 1973 which contains four tracks that fuse jazz and soul. The album received praise worldwide and it was the first ever jazz record to reach the platinum level.
“Head Hunters” is the right fit for when you’re engaged in video games because of the energetic rhythms it pumps. These go hand in hand with the thrill of the game, increasing it to the maximum. The combination of genres makes it compatible with all sorts of video games, from shooters to racing thrillers and beyond.
The triumph this album has enjoyed and the lasting impression it has left on today’s music shows you its importance.
Duke Ellington and John Coltrane for a Game of Chess
Two well-known icons of the jazz world, Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, teamed up to present the album “Duke Ellington and John Coltrane” to the world. Released in 1963, the seven-track record has since seen major celebration. Its success can be attributed to the unique blend that Ellington produces and Coltrane’s modern jazz style.
The contemplative and introspective vibe delivered by the album makes it suitable for the game that requires intellect and wit – chess. Chess is a game that requires you to think on your feet, anticipating the moves of your opponent as you’re locked in a psychological battle. The soothing nature of this album allows you to keep your cool and aids in improving your concentration.
Soul jazz and gaming go together in perfect harmony. This genre of music helps to elevate the enjoyment that gaming provides, making your sessions reach new heights. No matter if you prefer an intense match of poker or thrilling video games that require quick reflexes, the melodies provided by these albums will serve as your flawless companions.