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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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