Ragtime was popular from the 1890s to the 1910s and was derived from Juba (a survival of African drumming and hand clapping). Its main feature is syncopated (or “ragged”) rhythm against a steady bass to feature a compound cross of rhythms. Jazz began in the 1910s and originated in New Orleans, eventually spreading to Chicago and New York City. Besides syncopation, jazz depends heavily on spirit and improvisation. In the 1920s, New Orleans jazz developed its own style based on African ideas. Alternating solos interrupted melodic counterpoint while the rest of the ensemble provided rhythms and harmonies. This style spread to other regions of the world when professionals were offered job opportunities elsewhere.
When Africans were first enslaved in the 16th century, they brought their culture to America. Remnants of their musical style were often presented in spirituals (religious songs of slaves). These songs were retained through oral tradition because slaveholders didn't deem them dangerous enough to repress. After the Emancipation of slaves in 1863, African-Americans moved to New Orleans where they were allowed to gather in public areas. African traditions were preserved in this region and were incorporated in jazz as well as in blues and rhythm and blues. Some musical features of West Africa include:
When Africans were first enslaved in the 16th century, they brought their culture to America. Remnants of their musical style were often presented in spirituals (religious songs of slaves). These songs were retained through oral tradition because slaveholders didn't deem them dangerous enough to repress. After the Emancipation of slaves in 1863, African-Americans moved to New Orleans where they were allowed to gather in public areas. African traditions were preserved in this region and were incorporated in jazz as well as in blues and rhythm and blues. Some musical features of West Africa include:
- call and response: alternating short phrases between a leader and the group;
- improvisation: embellishment and variation over a simple melody. Most jazz improvisation in the 1920s was practiced before a performance;
- syncopation: a rhythm in which stress is given to a weak beat instead of a strong beat. It is used to drive a piece forward;
- polyrhythmic: multiple layers of rhythms;
- pitch effects: bending or sliding;
- vocalizations: moans, shouts, etc.;
- instruments: banjo, variety of drums, etc.