Jazz music emerged in southern American communities at the beginning of the twentieth century. It is a style that has evolved rapidly in the last century, and it continues to thrive today. Many people consider jazz to be America’s first and most significant gift to the musical world. Created by black musicians, it represents a vibrant fusion of African and European musical practices. Jazz is highly rhythmic, often possessing an uneven rhythmic character known as “swing.” It makes heavy use of improvisation, which is when a player spontaneously creates musical phrases with little foresight. Every jazz musician plays with his or her own unique style, and they rarely play a song the same way twice.

 

Jazz has its roots in the work songs of African American slaves in the nineteenth century. A leader would sing a line of a song, and the group would respond. This is called call and response. The songs were rhythmic – often used to set the pace of repetitive labor. They were repetitive, but they allowed the singers freedom to improvise or change the pattern as desired. Jazz is also heavily influenced by African American spirituals (or hymns) and by the secular blues that evolved simultaneously. Although these two styles use the major/minor tonality that evolved in Europe, they make heavy use of blue notes. A blue note is a lowered third or seventh scale degree (mi or ti.)

Rhythm is an important organizing principle in jazz music. Jazz musicians tend to “swing” their rhythms. Swing is a unique uneven character that alternates between long and short notes. Jazz music is often heavily syncopated. Syncopation is when the rhythmic emphasis falls not on but in between the beats of the measure.

Improvisation is a central component in jazz music. Improvisation occurs when a musician spontaneously creates musical phrases without planning them ahead of time. Most jazz songs include extended sections where players can take turns improvising solos over a repetitive chord progression. This sense of freedom thoroughly permeates jazz music – even when a musician is not soloing, he or she is free to add embellishments to a melody. Personal interpretation is highly valued in jazz.