History of Jazz and the Blues Significant Sources of America’s First True Art Form

Africa African slaves working in America provided the foundation for both the Blues and all of Jazz Work songs and field hollers Polyrhythm Blue notes Call and response

Blues The blues grew out of field hollers They were a means of self expression, in first person, often telling a story Developed into the country blues, and then into vaudeville (or classic) blues Here was where the 12 bar form was established

New Orleans (Dixieland) Creoles – combination of French, Spanish, and black cultures (African American and Caribbean islanders) Instruments and styles were pulled and adjusted from marching bands that played during the Civil War The Original Dixieland Jazz Band made the first jazz recording ever, sparking interest in the style Livery Stable Blues The Great Migration found large amounts of African Americans moving north – and taking their music with them

Louis Armstrong Trumpet player and singer who grew up in New Orleans Learned from some of the best in Dixieland until he was called to perform in NYC Five main influences: Blues – jazz’s harmonic foundation Solo improvisation – mastery of your instrument Scat singing – combination of pitch, time, fast reflexes, and imagination Repertoire – made Tin Pan alley songs standards Rhythm – he taught the world how to swing

Segregation and Legacy Much of jazz history parallels American history Separate recording companies for whites and blacks Whites were both treated and paid better Jazz players grow by playing with other great players, so we broke the boundaries Jazz is for everyone and anyone, and although it has declined in popularity, it has influenced rock ’n’ roll, rhythm and blues, and American history