Jazz Music

Jazz began at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities. Jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th century. The word "jazz" (in early years also spelled "jass") began as a West Coast slang term and was first used to refer to music. Jazz is composed of four musical elements: melody, harmony, rhythm, and tone color. However, harmony does not play such a role in the evolving of the music itself. The melody, rhythm, and tone of color make up the primary elements of jazz. Jazz is mostly instrumental music with no words. Commonly, people listen to Jazz music to help them concentrate since it is just instruments. There are many different interpretations of Jazz music, one of them including blues.

Blues also came from African American communities since they are a branch of Jazz. They were often referred to as spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants. Blues also usually reflect on a sad or extremely melancholy tone. What is the first color that comes to mind when you think of the word sad? Most people say blue, and this is another reason why they are called blues because they touch on sadness or depression.
-Musical Marbella


Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz
http://www.essortment.com/all/jazztypesmusic_remi.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blues