Jazz originated about 1910simoltaneoulsy in many southern and midwestern cities. Because its style was different from city to city, jazz must be defined in general forms. Jazz is lively, energetic music with pulsating rhythms and entertaining syncopations, usually played by a small instrumental ensemble (COMBO) or a larger group (A BIG BAND). Jazz tends to be polyphonic, since several instruments play independent lines, and it also includes a strong element of improvisation. Playing jazz requires teamwork, imagination, skill and endurance. RAGTIME music was an immediate precursor of jazz and an early type of jazz emerging in 1890s and characterized by a steady bass and syncopated, jazzy treble. …
