Jazz
Jazz is a genre of music that originated in African American communities of New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by swing and blue notes, call-and-response vocals, polyrhythms, and improvisation. Jazz has roots in European harmony and African rhythmic rituals, evolving into a complex art form that values individual expression and instrumental virtuosity.
Origin: United States, African American communities in New Orleans and Chicago.
Era: Early 1910s to present, key developments: swing (1930s-1940s), bebop (1940s), cool jazz (1950s), free jazz (1960s+).
