Jazz

What is jazz? Many people have heard about it yet they do not know what exactly is behind it. Created in the early 20th century in New Orleans, jazz has grown to become one of the most influential musical styles in history. Its rhythms, improvisations, and unique sound have shaped not just the music world but also art, fashion, and culture.

The Creation of Jazz

When was jazz music created?” is a question many jazz fans and people new to the genre ask. The beginnings of jazz actually date back to the 19th century. New Orleans was home to Congo Square, a space where slaves would gather and play music. That tradition started a bit before 1820, and it brought together people from a wide array of countries, each introducing a bit of their nation’s unique sound to the mix.

Over time, the blending of African music and Caribbean music was joined by marching band instruments. Marching bands were highly prevalent during the Civil War. They introduced many people to various brass instruments, and the united sound eventually formed the genre known as ragtime. The influence of New Orleans music, with its rich cultural exchange and ethnic diversity, played a crucial role in the development of jazz.

Spiritual music was also popular during the era and made its way into what ultimately became the jazz sound. After the Civil War, formerly enslaved people from throughout the American south brought blues to Louisiana. In time, all of these sounds melded together, leading to the genre that became jazz. New Orleans brass bands also significantly shaped early jazz with their lasting impact and contributions from horn players.

Ultimately, exactly when the genre known as jazz began is a bit debated. Most feel it started in the late 1800s or early 1900s. However, it ultimately rose to fame in the 1920s.

Types of Jazz

Over the years, many different types of jazz were created all over the world. Each jazz musician has his own unique style of playing jazz, which gave rise to the different types of jazz in the world. The different types of jazz were crucial in evolving jazz music throughout the years, particularly the blues and swing.

The blues and swing played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and essence of jazz. With its soulful melodies and improvisational spirit, the blues-infused jazz, with its emotional intensity and expressive qualities, allows for a deeper connection with the listener. 

The blues' raw, emotive power and its roots in African-American musical traditions also helped to give jazz its unique cultural identity and sense of authenticity. 

The improvisational nature of the blues, where musicians would create new melodies and solos on the spot, also influenced the development of jazz's improvisational tradition, where musicians would push the boundaries of composition and create new sounds on the fly.

Swing, on the other hand, characterised by its infectious rhythmic pulse and energetic delivery, contributed to jazz's dynamic energy and danceability, making it a popular choice for dancers and audiences alike. 

Swing's emphasis on strong rhythmic grooves and its ability to get people moving also helped to shape jazz's sense of communal experience and collective energy. As a result, jazz became a genre that was not only about individual expression but also about the shared experience of making music together.

Famous Jazz Songs and Instruments used to play Jazz

While there are many types of jazz, there are also many famous jazz songs which left their mark in the music industry. Famous jazz songs include What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong, So What by Miles Davis and many more. My personal favourite is Fly Me to the Moon by Bart Howard which is also a widely known jazz piece.

Although jazz music can be played by any instrument (including the human voice), the most common ones are the piano, guitar, saxophone, trumpet, bass, and drums.

Summary

In conclusion, jazz has a rich history dating back to the 1800s, and it evolved over time leading to many changes in this genre of music. Hope this article has piqued your interest in jazz!  

References

The origins of jazz:  https://jazzobserver.com/the-origins-of-jazz/

Jazz music and it's roots: https://www.lmtmusicacademy.co.uk/jazz-music-and-its-roots

Emma Lim

Secondary 2 Purity

2025