Jazz Music

Definition

Jazz music is a genre that originated among African Americans in New Orleans around the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's characterized by its complex rhythms, improvisation, distinctive tonal colorings (known as "blue notes"), and syncopated beats.

Related terms

Improvisation: This is creating or performing something spontaneously or without preparation. In jazz music, musicians often improvise solos within songs.

Syncopation: This is a musical term for a variety of rhythms which are in some way unexpected, making part or all of a tune off-beat. In jazz music, syncopation is often used to create rhythmic interest.

Blue Notes: These are notes that fall between the traditional major and minor scales in Western music. They're often used in blues and jazz to create a melancholic or soulful mood.