Jazz Improvisation: Its Origins And History

Jazz is a very popular genre of music as well as being an intrinsic part of the history of American music. Although some people believe that jazz had its origins in early twentieth century South America, there is no doubt that jazz really came into it's own in the United States and was heavily influenced by African American blues music. The Blues were popular in the first half of the 20th century in the rural south and developed in cities such as New Orleans, St. Louis and Chicago.

The music that was called jazz was popular in many countries, including the United States. At the same time it quickly spread to many countries in Europe, and then to many parts of Asia, South America and Australia.

What makes jazz unique? Among other things the unique features of Jazz include 'blue notes," improvisation and syncopation. Jazz relies primarily on the spontaneous expression of the musicians - usually playing in small groups - and does not necessarily use a written score. The 1930s saw a rapid rise in the popularity of jazz. Although black musicians dominated the jazz scene, the 1930s saw an increase in the number of white jazz singers and players. But during this time jazz still remained true to its roots and to the African-American blues musicians who created it.

Jazz is a music of the world. It combines classical, popular and traditional American music with important strains of European and African musical traditions. Jazz is very technically sophisticated while still remaining spontaneous and improvisational. To really develop a good understanding and appreciation of jazz it is important to experience all aspects of the music, listen to the masters and join other musicians in playing. Jazz is truly a group experience.

Self expression through improvisation is critical component of jazz music, and it is a skill which a musician can only acquire through exposure to other jazz musicians, interacting with others in a typical jazz "combo". It is even difficult to practise jazz without knowing how the individual parts relate to the other members of the group.

If you do not have an idea where to start, go back to the beginning of your book. You know everything about the simple songs you began with, so now you can think about experimenting with them and making them your own. Attend performances, listen to a lecture, think about improvisation, then "just do it." Once you have pleasing variations on simple songs, apply those skills to more complex tunes. Never forget that jazz is just as much about revealing your soul to the world as technical virtuosity.

To begin learning the basic techniques of jazz improvisation, it is important to alter the notes of your song here and there when playing. This holds true whether your are learning the jazz guitar, piano, trumpet, violin, saxophone, or any of the multitude of instruments used in jazz.

The best way to learn about jazz and how to play it is to list to all forms of it. Start with the traditional and then add the contemporary artists. You may also want to look into schools for jazz instruction and learning. You may want to specialize in jazz improvisation, or soloing. A school might just be the thing to develop your love of jazz into a career.

One of the richest, most expressive and satisfying genres of music for the musician looking for creative expression is, without a doubt, jazz. It creates a magic which cannot be expressed in words. When people are really interested in actually listening to the music, jazz can be the most appropriate and entertaining type of music you can choose for almost any occasion. Being equally challenging and rewarding for the musician - what could be better than that!

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