Jazz Essay

What is jazz? Infamous jazz musician Louis Armstrong once said, “If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.” It is possible to discuss jazz objectively; however, jazz is undoubtedly the most abstract and creative form of music ever developed. There is no concrete definition or description. Jazz is referred to as “America’s Music” and has played a huge role in the cultural development of the United States. Originating in New Orleans, Louisiana, people from several cultures influenced the creation and evolution of jazz. The outcome is now appreciated by people all over the world.

Although it is believed that jazz started in New Orleans about 100 years ago, its roots can be traced further back to musical traditions of Africa and Europe (Where Did Jazz). Jazz progressed from slave songs and spirituals; African Americans were jazz’s originators and the most important innovators. From African music, jazz acquired its rhythm and passion, a blues quality, and the playing of an instrument in one’s own expressive way, as though an “extension” of the human voice. From European music, jazz inherited harmony and the instruments used to create the music (Where Did Jazz).

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Although this tradition ended before the Civil War, a similar musical celebration transpired, currently known as Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras Indians were black groups whose members honored American Indians by dressing like them on Mardi Gras day. The participants, who felt a special connection to Native American Indians, wandered through neighborhoods in search of other gangs with whom they could fight (Jazz Origins). In addition to the violence, these demonstrations also included drumming and chanting. Surprisingly, many famous jazz musicians, such as Louis Armstrong and Lee Collins, incorporated some of the gangs’ musical aspects (Jazz