Jazz and Its Roots

        Everyone loves music, but not everyone knows what jazz really is. It is a stylish music that has influenced people in America for many years and brought people a sense of relief.

http://www.jazzrochester.com/images/JazzWSax.jpg

Referred to as “America’s classical music,” jazz is one of the oldest and most well-known musical genres in the United States, characterized by the use of syncopation, off beat rhythm, improvisation and blue notes. I feel jazz brings me closer to American culture and music through its powerful beat and energy. Many jazz lovers, myself included, view jazz as a soul or even a motivation by saying," Jazz washes away the dust of every day life." 

The history of jazz can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th century in black communities in the Southern United States. From Ragtime and Blues to Big Band and Bebop, jazz has been an indispensable tradition of America in its various forms for over 100 years. Furthermore, jazz has firmly planted its roots in some cities like Chicago, New York and various other metropolises, in which many jazz clubs were later established as time progressed. 

        The formation of jazz band is amazing! Trust me! If you have not watched a jazz band show, you are outdated already!

http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/19/1919-004-2272C229.jpg

            Jazz bands usually consist of a rhythm section and a horn section, in the early days often trumpet, trombone, and clarinet with rhythm section of piano, banjo, bass or tuba, and drums. The combination of different instruments brings more spirit to the music. Moreover, as we know, we can get a sense of relief from music. The jazz players completely manifest that kind of feeling on the stage. The clarinetist sitting on the piano perfectly captures the essence of jazz music: his relaxed composure coupled with the energy of the music creates an environment of sublime ease. Although seeming really amorphous, the band intangibly reveals an authentic meaning of music, a way to express emotions. 

http://www.nathanielturner.com/jazzpoemsrogersinger.htm

http://kilkennyswing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/13825408_ori.jpg

Jazz has a diverse range of fans, from the young to the old. For instance, like the poem I put above, some poets have even written about jazz. Jazz is a really good source of inspiration. I have found a poem called Like a Snake, which can best illustrate what jazz really is and how influential the music is. 

Music, especially jazz, is strange. It is a communication that carries no discrimination or prejudice. As we all know, racial prejudice was relatively serious back in the early 20th century. In my opinion, jazz was a means for people who were suffering from discrimination to release all their pains. Nowadays, it is a great choice for people to release themselves from the busy works and indulge themselves in the relaxing music.