A History of Jazz Podcast 1619 - 1917: A Prehistory
Feb 26, 2017
Discover the intriguing origins of the word 'jazz' and its uncertain early uses. Explore how African musical roots, especially call-and-response, shaped the genre. Delve into the role of slavery in jazz's emergence and how work songs influenced its development. Learn about the evolution from ragtime to jazz, highlighted by iconic figures like Buddy Bolden and the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. The podcast beautifully illustrates early recordings and crossroads in jazz history that paved the way for its rise in popular culture.
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Jazz Defies A Single Definition
- Arik Devins says jazz resists a single definition and is whatever people called jazz across history.
- He frames jazz as collective music that encourages individualism and improvisation as its core.
African Roots Shape Jazz Traits
- Arik Devins emphasizes African roots and warns Africa is not a single musical culture.
- He highlights West African traits like call-and-response that shaped African-American music.
Jazz Emerged By Syncretism
- Devins challenges the simple African-vs-European origin story for jazz’s rhythm and harmony.
- He describes syncretism: a cultural blend producing something fundamentally different from European music.