Jazzwise Magazine

Masthead

The masthead on Jazzwise magazine is a metallic shiny silver which gives the entire magazine a sense of glow. The mirror like font engages the reader and almost portrays an inspiring vibe. This is because the reader can see potential and how music can have an impact on them instantly (even by catching a glimpse through the masthead on a music magazine). The masthead also catches the light at certain angles which give off a sense of glow and heavenly appeal. Secondly, the font type is narrow and gives structure to the front cover. The masthead is behind the feature article photograph to imply that Jazz music may be older in the musical industry but still shines out past all the newer music due to the authentic feel it gives to Jazz lovers; as a result of the gleaming colour. The masthead is spread out evenly across the top of the front cover to give a global statement of how Jazz music is vividly essential to the genres of music. The title itself, ‘jazzwise’ labels the genre but extends the concept of honourable music. The word ‘wise’ suggests that the magazine is intelligent and insightful and gives the reader a clear understanding of why the magazine is worth buying. Furthermore, it tells the reader that ‘jazzwise’ is the most informative and enlightening jazz magazine and it is worth buying.

Cover line

The cover line instantly tells us how important the man in the feature article photograph is by informing us by how lucky we are to come across this iconic man. The cover line includes the words, ‘Right Place, Right Time.’ The magazine uses these words for the cover line to let the readers know how important this man is and how lucky you are for finding a magazine which includes stories about him. Right away you know how high up Miles Davis in the Jazz hierarchy. Secondly, the cover line is the main bit of text (apart from the masthead) on the front cover. This is evidently shown by the typography being larger than the rest of the text. This is done to emphasise the importance of Miles Davis and how deserves the praise the magazine gives him. The cover line also contains the colours white and nude. This may be because of the magazine portraying a subtle message but also infusing flavour towards the reader. The white and nude layer together successfully which gives the front cover complexity due to the metallic silver and the pale nude tones. This simplifies the contrasting streak the magazine gives to the reader. Furthermore the range of colours complement each other by perceiving different moods, e.g. the silver shows the artificial aspects of showbiz and dimensions of music. Alternately the white and pale nude colours signify the natural glows of music and how you don’t need to have intellectual thoughts to produce original content.

Feature Article Photograph

The feature article photograph flaunts the true meaning of Jazz music and how it is simply portrayed through identity. Firstly, the man has a sensation of innocence and misjudgement. The photograph is a candid image which instantly tells the reader that no one in the Jazz industry is trying to satisfy anyone and therefore keeps their appearance authentically restricted; hence the man’s blacked out glasses. The man’s attire is simply full of character. The pin striped blazer presents the little detail required within the jazz aspect of music. The blazer also portrays that the man is not intending to please nor impress anybody and how he only pleases himself. This suggests that he is genuine and hasn’t got an ego. Secondly, the blazer looks like it has been thrown on at a last minute decision. This correlates to the man in image as being an improvising artist and all his music is not planned and is simply from the heart. The man has short cropped hair which is kept minimally basic. This tells the reader that Miles Davis is sharp and precise when it comes to his career. Furthermore, the blacked out glasses the man is wearing evoke a secretive message which can possibly make the target demographic curious. However an anxious outlook whilst observing the front cover can highlight the roots of Jazz music and how details mustn’t be exposed when it comes to creating great music. On the other hand, the secrets the reader wonder about whilst reading the front cover may suggest that they will find out the secretive material inside of the magazine. Additionally, the man’s hand is blurred within the image which gives a swift glance to the reader’s eye. This can be viewed as a captivating sight as the artist is always working and striving, therefore he hasn’t got the time to stop and see what’s happening. The blurriness of his hand signifies his nonstop career and how music will never slow him down. The target demographic may be inspired by his lack of intimidation. This is implied by the camera shot being an eye level shot and not a high angle shot.  The man featuring in the image is holding a camera in a leather case. This indicates that he is compelled by visual scenes and feels that rare moments need to be captured. The brown leather camera case displays how much he appreciates beautiful objects and how he distinguishes possessions as an essential which produce decent, quality content. The sunlight is shining upon Miles Davis’ face which accentuates how music gives him light and illumination. The demographic may aspire to Miles Davis as an iconic, talented individual who strives to inspire.

Background

The background of the front cover is a fading grey which dims into black on the edges. The vignette effect borders the front cover and senses serenity throughout. The feature article photograph is directly in the middle of the background as it appears as the black edges is focusing around the main subject. This increases the importance of Miles Davis and almost titles him as a heavenly, god like figure. The glow of a dimmed white around his body suggests that he spreads light and peace when making music and he inspires effortlessly.

Plugs & Puffs

On the front cover on Jazzwise plugs and the puffs are used to engage with the reader and compel them using font types, colours and a range of font sizes. Firstly, the magazine only uses two colours which are nude and white. This is done to highlight the brightness of the magazine and to inflict innocence throughout. The magazine has used these colours to contrast positively with the dark tones which are used in the background. Many plugs and puffs have been used to engage the reader but also correlate the roots of jazz music – simply using typography. Firstly, the puff ‘SPECIAL 200^Th ISSUE’ gives the reader an idea of how iconic jazz music is and how it should be celebrated and treated like a necessity to music. The number ‘200’ simply labels how jazz music has existed for a significant amount of time and has never disappointed their huge demographic. This also implies how the music industry has had jazz music represent the maturity and soulful aspects of entertainment. Secondly, the plug ‘WIN 200 Warner Jazz Albums’ highlights the opportunities music gives and how decent content is shared to aspiring lovers of Jazz. The word ‘WIN’ lets the reader know that the magazine is a celebratory of traditionally authentic music.  There are many plugs and puffs included on the front cover of the magazine which are all very effective and use language specifically. Including, the plug ‘Plus John Taylor, Pat Metheny, Justin Kauflin, Alexi Tuomarila’ The plug features several names of possible upcoming artists which may suggest that the reader and the magazine itself are interested by introducing fresh content and brand new ideas. The word ‘plus’ shows this in many ways.

Demographic 

The typical demographic for Jazzwise is an intellectual range of musically knowledgeable individuals. This is due to the jazz aspect being authentically older and therefore engages with a certain kind of audience. The magazine front cover features an iconic older man who will naturally attract the older generations. The colours chosen represent less excitable people and will less likely be attracted to pop music. Automatically the colours show how the demographic are laid back and have a wide range of knowledge towards music from the history of jazz music and how it has been in society since the late 19^th  century – present day. This shows us that the typical reader enjoys the sound of music that has history, soul and meaning. The jazz genre originates from African American communities in America which shows that the music produced is real and doesn’t need 21^st century technology to make its content global. The target demographic is original and appreciates the untouched genres which don’t require expensive technology to make it a hit. From analysing the front cover, you can tell the target reader is aspiring hugely to the man in the feature article photograph, the magazine and the genre in general. They’re most likely to be in the older generations and have a significant amount of money to be able to purchase the magazine (£4.99). The price almost labels the demographic and what social class they’re in. The jazz industry highlights how you don’t need money to produce the content so why would you need it to appreciate it and read about it. The price may be slightly pricier than what the working class want to pay but jazz music is much appreciated by all aspects of social class. This is more likely to be a male’s type of magazine due to the non-feminine approach.