Jazz music was created in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the African American communities of New Orleans. Its roots are based on ragtime and blues, and this music became a form of expression for the community. The genre was originally inspired by African traditions, but over time it took inspiration from other places, such as Cuban and Creole influences. It was initially intended to be music for dancing, but it developed into music you could listen to while sitting. All of this, plus the fact that jazz music is largely based on improvisation, has made it hard to pinpoint the exact definition of this style.
Characteristics of jazz music include built-up harmonies, improvisation, syncopation and polyphony. There are also a number of instruments that are often found in jazz music, such as the saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, trombone, drums and double bass.
The list of legendary jazz artists is long as many people contributed to the development and evolution of this genre. For example, Louis Armstrong is often considered one of the pioneers of jazz music overall, while Django Reinhardt is credited with creating a whole new subgenre of jazz, gypsy jazz.
Jazz eventually became music for everyone as it was moulded by a mix of local influences and different styles: from free jazz to jazz fusion and acid jazz, there’s a style for everyone! Major jazz artists include trumpeters Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong, saxophonists John Coltrane and Stan Getz, pianists Nat King Cole and Chick Corea, and many more.
