What’s Jazz?

Jazz music was born out of conflicts of Soul music with European music.  It traces its origin to the African-Americans, who worked in plantations owned by the whites. It has evolved over the years.  The genre involves long instrumental performances with rhythmic vocals.

Jazz, after the abolition of slavery in America is said to have originated from New Orleans. It was performed mostly in cheap bars and clubs. From being a ‘low class’ entertainment to one of the most sophisticated forms of music today, the journey of Jazz has been full of twists and turns.

The musical instruments used in most jazz performances are the saxophone, piano, drums, double bass, trumpet, clarinet and trombone.

Some renowned jazz artists are Louis Armstrong, Thelonius Monk, Art Tatum, John Coltrane, Benny Goodman and others. Some singers are accomplished musicians as well. Louis Armstrong, a singer was also a trumpet maestro and is credited with popularising solo performances.