Information on Jazz Music
Jazz is a distinctly American form of music that originated in New Orleans around 1900. West African rhythms formed the basis of the first jazz music, drawing upon the rich African American musical culture of the South, combined with European popular and classical music of the 19th century.
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Development
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While New Orleans is considered the birthplace of jazz, at the same time similar music was developing in St. Louis, Chicago and Kansas City. Most early jazz was performed by a small marching band.
Characteristics
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Jazz is characterized by syncopation, improvisation and solo riffs, spotlighting each member of a jazz ensemble, usually on piano, string bass, drums, trumpet, saxophone and clarinet.
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Popularity
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By the 1920s what began as a predominantly African American form of entertainment was embraced by mainstream America.
Styles
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Today there are more than 20 distinct styles of jazz music, including ragtime, swing, bebop and smooth.
Famous Musicians
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Famous jazz performers include Scott Joplin, Wynton Marsalis, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.
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References
- Photo Credit morguefile.com
