The Roots Of Jazz

Jazz was born in New Orleans in the early 20th century, but its musical ancestry can be found in the musical cultures of both Africa and Europe. As a matter of fact, some people say that jazz is a merging of African and European music. Some wonder how two very different countries could mesh so well together creating this genre of music.
Some of the main components incorporated from the African culture that are depicted in jazz music is the rhythm and feel, the blues quality, and the tradition of playing an instrument in your own expressive way, making it an "extension" of your own human voice.