Jazz

Jazz emerged from the African-American communities of New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fusing blues, ragtime, and spirituals into a new expressive form. Its core is defined by improvisational performance, sophisticated harmonic structures, and a characteristic rhythmic feel known as swing. The typical ensemble—often featuring brass, reeds, a rhythm section of piano, bass, and drums—creates a dynamic interplay between soloists and the collective. This emphasis on spontaneous creation and individual expression allowed jazz to evolve rapidly, branching into numerous subgenres and establishing itself as a globally significant and complex art form.