Sara Kotwicki
History of Jazz Jazz is defined as “a type of music of black American origin characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and usually a regular or forceful rhythm, emerging at the beginning of the 20th century”. () Jazz incorporates two major aspects of both African and European music. The instruments, like the trumpet, piano, or saxophone, are taken directly from European influence. However, the most important aspects of Jazz, including, rhythm, feel, and the extension of the human voice, come from Africa. Despite this, Jazz cannot simply be defined by a cultural combination of genres. The most important element in Jazz is improvisation. Jazz innovators were able to use their instruments as an extension of themselves. Jazz …show more content…
Because of the ports, there was a constant flow of people. New cultures from Europe were introduced, inspiring aspiring musicians. New Orleans was already home to clubs and bars, allowing Jazz to incorporate itself into the nightlife. Louisiana was originally a French colony, therefore the culture was more based on European ideals and practices. New Orleans was, therefore, more liberal, and allowed people to have a special appreciation for culture, music, art, and fine cuisine. After the Louisiana Purchase, black Americans began to settle in. Immigrants from Ireland or Germany migrated as well. The amount of cultural diversity, allowed the city to be more accepting, (as accepting as people could be back then), and involved with culture. The city was also home to many cultural gatherings, allowing Jazz to be spread deeper into the African American community, and eventually expanding to the rest of …show more content…
During that time, Slavery had been abolished for some 15 years, but segregation laws were still heavily enforced. Bathrooms, water fountains, bus seats, were separated based on the darkness of a person's skin. Bars and clubs were also segregated, of course. The separation was dutifully meant to limit the accomplishments of people of color but ultimately, it allowed Jazz musicians to expand in their own community. African Americans were able to cultivate their own version of music.
Jazz was consistent in bringing people together. One example is the attempt to ban alcohol in 1920. A rise in alcoholism and domestic violence ignited the ban. In New Orleans, protests were centered around Jazz. Parties, fuled with booze and jazz music, were the most common forms of musical protest. The rebellious, bold, powerful notes was the perfect example of structured retaliation. Not only were they able to show how alcohol limitations were not the answer, it is difficult for policemen to properly manage intoxication and loud
History of Jazz Jazz is defined as “a type of music of black American origin characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and usually a regular or forceful rhythm, emerging at the beginning of the 20th century”. () Jazz incorporates two major aspects of both African and European music. The instruments, like the trumpet, piano, or saxophone, are taken directly from European influence. However, the most important aspects of Jazz, including, rhythm, feel, and the extension of the human voice, come from Africa. Despite this, Jazz cannot simply be defined by a cultural combination of genres. The most important element in Jazz is improvisation. Jazz innovators were able to use their instruments as an extension of themselves. Jazz …show more content…
Because of the ports, there was a constant flow of people. New cultures from Europe were introduced, inspiring aspiring musicians. New Orleans was already home to clubs and bars, allowing Jazz to incorporate itself into the nightlife. Louisiana was originally a French colony, therefore the culture was more based on European ideals and practices. New Orleans was, therefore, more liberal, and allowed people to have a special appreciation for culture, music, art, and fine cuisine. After the Louisiana Purchase, black Americans began to settle in. Immigrants from Ireland or Germany migrated as well. The amount of cultural diversity, allowed the city to be more accepting, (as accepting as people could be back then), and involved with culture. The city was also home to many cultural gatherings, allowing Jazz to be spread deeper into the African American community, and eventually expanding to the rest of …show more content…
During that time, Slavery had been abolished for some 15 years, but segregation laws were still heavily enforced. Bathrooms, water fountains, bus seats, were separated based on the darkness of a person's skin. Bars and clubs were also segregated, of course. The separation was dutifully meant to limit the accomplishments of people of color but ultimately, it allowed Jazz musicians to expand in their own community. African Americans were able to cultivate their own version of music.
Jazz was consistent in bringing people together. One example is the attempt to ban alcohol in 1920. A rise in alcoholism and domestic violence ignited the ban. In New Orleans, protests were centered around Jazz. Parties, fuled with booze and jazz music, were the most common forms of musical protest. The rebellious, bold, powerful notes was the perfect example of structured retaliation. Not only were they able to show how alcohol limitations were not the answer, it is difficult for policemen to properly manage intoxication and loud