JAZZ/BLUES

Oh how far back in time we can go when it comes to the genre of Jazz. Rooted in so many different genres from Dixieland music to ragtime, from swing to bebop, it’s hard to know where to begin.
What I know for sure is that this form of music originated from southern African American communities. The term Jazz, its derivation uncertain, was first referred to as music played in Chicago. Composed of people from West Africa, the Africans gathered at what was called the Congo Square and danced to beating drums. In their songs, a release-source for emotion – be it joy or sorrow, the rhythms with which they sang reflected the way they spoke, and this rhythm led to what is called the “blue notes” in jazz and blues music. As blacks learned to play instruments, not only did their dances change but their music as well. Many other influences helped to form and reform this “black music”. As Blacks learned the musical style of hymns, they incorporated it into their own singing, creating what was known as spirituals. Blues are somewhat a secular version of these spirituals, owning pretty much the same sound. The only (big) difference is the message.

The lawful end of slavery, brought about opportunities. Though the situations were still hard and trying, this abolition provided for faith, courage, and hope for many Blacks in America. There were not a lot of job opportunities, so many African Americans took up work as entertainers singing, dancing, or playing instruments in saloons, bars, and clubs. Within Jazz, we went from Ragtime in the 1890's, to swing in the 1920's and 30's, to Bebop in the 1940's, Cool Jazz and Free Jazz in the 1950's, and Latin Jazz and Soul Jazz in the 60's and 70's. Jazz fusions of many kind would follow.
Primarily due to the sexual or intimate content within Jazz music, many traditionalist (and/or religious followers) felt strongly against this genre of music. Its wide derivations, taking sounds and rhythms from all sorts of music, added to its bad rep. Some argued that Jazz was pulling people away from the values and morals they all once shared, and pushing them into a lifestyle that is without discipline.
If music is its instrument, then this was proved in the lives of many artists such as Billie Holiday so lived unstable lifestyles.