What is Jazz?

Bring in the saxophones. Add in the trumpets and trombones. Now include the piano and drums. Sit back and enjoy the smooth rhythm they create. That’s correct! Today’s Wonder of the day is all about jazz!

What exactly is jazz? That’s a straightforward question with a challenging answer. As you will soon discover, this genre of music defies simple definition. Jazz legend Louis Armstrong may have put it best. He once said, “If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.”

Jazz has been referred to as “America’s Classical Music.” It originated in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the early 1900s. The city’s population consisted of people from diverse cultures. Jazz emerged from a fusion of their musical styles, including ragtime, marches, blues, and brass.

Over the past century, jazz has continued to evolve. It has been led by exceptional musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. Today, there are more than twenty distinct styles of jazz, including traditional jazz, swing, bebop, cool jazz, fusion, and jazz-rock.

Many describe jazz as unique in its variety. This is primarily because of its most essential element: improvisation. In most jazz music, musicians play solos that they create on the spot. This results in jazz being as diverse as the individuals who perform it.

Each jazz musician develops their own sound and style. For instance, trumpeter Miles Davis can sound very different from trumpeter Louis Armstrong. This means that listeners can hear several different interpretations of the same song, and each will sound distinct! Jazz musicians can transform a familiar song into something new with each improvised solo.

Most jazz is highly rhythmic, has a forward momentum known as “swing,” and incorporates expressive notes called “blue” notes. These notes are slightly lower in pitch than those on the major scale. Additionally, you will often come across “call and response” patterns, in which one instrument or voice responds to another.

Do you enjoy jazz? With such a diverse style of music, many people can find at least one jazz musician they appreciate. Today, this music provides entertainment for people all around the world!

Try It Out

Ready to continue learning? Find an adult who can assist you in trying out the activities below.

• Listen to the song “Take the A Train” by the following artists: Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Duke Ellington’s Band, and The Clark Terry Big BAD Band. What do you like about each of these performances? What don’t you like? Write multiple paragraphs comparing and contrasting these renditions of this classic jazz piece.
• Explore today’s date on Today in Jazz History. Choose an event that occurred on this day in jazz history and conduct additional research on the subject with an adult. Present a newscast as if you were an exclusive reporter.
• Indulge in some delightful jazz through Groovin’ to Jazz. Listen to the selections on this page (or at least some of them!) with a friend or family member. Discuss what you liked and didn’t like about each song. How do you think they all qualify as jazz? Which one was your favorite?

Wonder Sources

• http://www.smithsonianjazz.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=560&Itemid=89 (accessed 26 Jan. 2020)
• http://www.apassion4jazz.net/jazz.html (accessed 26 Jan. 2020)

FAQ

1. What is jazz?

Jazz is a genre of music that originated in the early 20th century in African American communities in the United States. It is characterized by its improvisation, syncopation, and swing rhythm. Jazz incorporates elements of African and European music traditions, combining blues, ragtime, and classical influences. It is known for its expressive and vibrant sound, often featuring complex harmonies and virtuosic instrumental solos.

2. How did jazz evolve?

Jazz evolved from a blend of musical styles and cultural influences. It started with the African American communities in New Orleans, where African rhythms and blues met European brass band music. Over time, jazz spread across the United States and underwent various transformations. Different subgenres of jazz emerged, such as swing, bebop, cool jazz, and fusion, each reflecting the musical trends and innovations of its time.

3. Who were some influential jazz musicians?

Jazz has been shaped by numerous influential musicians throughout its history. Some notable figures include Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and John Coltrane. These artists not only contributed to the development of jazz but also left a lasting impact on the music world as a whole.

4. What instruments are commonly used in jazz?

Jazz employs a wide range of instruments, both traditional and unconventional. Commonly used instruments in jazz include the trumpet, saxophone, piano, double bass, drums, trombone, and guitar. However, jazz musicians are known for their ability to experiment and incorporate unconventional instruments, such as the clarinet, vibraphone, flute, and even the human voice, into their performances.

5. How does improvisation play a role in jazz?

Improvisation is a fundamental aspect of jazz. It allows musicians to express their creativity and individuality by spontaneously creating melodies and solos within the structure of a song. Jazz musicians often engage in improvised call-and-response conversations, where one musician plays a phrase and another responds with their own interpretation. This element of improvisation gives jazz its unique and dynamic character.

6. How has jazz influenced other genres of music?

Jazz has had a profound influence on various genres of music. It has served as a foundation for the development of other styles, such as swing, blues, rock and roll, and even hip hop. Many contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from jazz, incorporating its harmonies, rhythms, and improvisational techniques into their own music. Jazz’s influence can be heard in the rich diversity of modern music across different genres and cultures.