The World, Explained · 45 sec
Jazz
A small piece of context that makes the wider world easier to read.
The useful idea
- Born in New Orleans
Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Many roots combine
Its roots are in blues, ragtime, European harmony, African rhythmic rituals, spirituals, hymns, marches, vaudeville song, and dance music.
- Improvisation defines it
Jazz is characterized by swing and blue notes, complex chords, call and response vocals, polyrhythms and improvisation.
Why this matters
Use Jazz as context when interpreting events and claims about the world.
Try this
Use Jazz as context when interpreting events and claims about the world.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Jazz?
- Many roots combine
- Born in New Orleans — correct
- Improvisation defines it
Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.