What is Jazz?

Through world-class collections, scholarship, concerts, exhibitions and programs, Smithsonian Jazz at the National Museum of American History explores and celebrates the American experience through the transformative power of jazz. We believe that jazz is an important bridge between our nation's identity, our shared history, and our communities and we are committed to stewarding this connection for all audiences.

By learning more about the history of jazz in America, and the values inherent in jazz such as risk-taking, collaboration, individuality and freedom, visitors and audiences will better understand the role they play, as musicians, students, teachers, audience members, supporters or leaders, in shaping the future.

[rooster]

"If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know." - Louis Armstrong

[Retrver]

I just want to hear some jazz live. I think I'd fall in love with it if I heard it live.

[JDubbs]

The title of this video is really a rhetorical question, it's purpose is not to absolutely define jazz, if you came here looking for that, then keep digging, and you will find it can't really be defined, or put into a box. This video does a great job of explaining many of the key concepts and attributes of this music including : 1) it is very much alive and always changing 2) It is a reflection of America's culture and history 3) It is about Freedom 4) At it's core is a dialogue, a conversation between musicians ... One thing I think they did miss though was more focus and attention on the

[daphnerodriguez]

AMAZING. JAZZ , THANKS YOU GOODNESS 🌟, DAPHNE COTTON ALWAYS 💜, AWESOME

[bokehintheussr]

Jazz is a genre you put on if you live in an apartment in a busy urban area. It blocks out the souds around so you can relax... prove me wrong...

[prasannadahal]

One thing about Jazz is that you cant predict it. There is indication to know what the next note is gonna be

[quickstar]

I heard a band playing jazz when I passed by a bar yesterday. I was so deeply drawn to the music that I what to know everything about jazz now. Do anyone have some suggestions on artists to follow or must-listen albums?

[vnir]

Thanks! came here after seeing Joey Alexander play Jazz Piano!
Learnt a little bit more about Jazz here – a fluid conversation & improvisation of harmonics, syncopation, notes & rhythm :)

on another channel :
"...Jazz is when you take the music and make it yours, and then give it to someone else – That's Jazz."
"...its the language of the spirit. The closest language to your heart..."

[abcrxj]

"Jazz is such a vital part of America's cultural heritage" Of course, thanks to their racial discrimination for jazz

[esel]

im 15 turning 16 and idk jazz is like i don't even know to my ears, i wish i could vacation to the time where jazz was the street lights, idk i have this passion for it! 😂

[Dasha.___.]

say me pls, what they told about "person who is taking a solo.. "
I don't understand (1:01)

[MARTINJR]

Most people here for homework lol am here because I love jazz and want to know more about it...

[grace]

is anyone else here because there teacher sent them the link for school work in lockdown ??

[exapplerrelppaxe]

I like music that has blues or gospel, rhythm, modern harmony and subtlety. I don't care who makes it, when they made it or what they call it.

[AliFalcon-qb]

I'm "Arabic"
My favorite music is Jazz🤍

[uncooked_ham]

I shit myself in a jazz club once when the saxophone hit a particularly high note. All of a sudden it just came streaming out of me. My husband realised and was screaming "OH NO, OH GOD NO, WHAT'S HAPPENING TO YOU, OH GOD HELP US PLEASE ANY ONE, OH GOD" as the most frantic jazz was playing and the lights were flashing. When he got up to run to the bar for help he slipped in the puddle of faeces and it went up him.

[frankieseymour]

4 note voicings and randomness with taste is jazz

[hulax]

Oh, Jazz? Yeah, Classic, old, funky fun, just like mama used to make

[bronzewand]

It must have the blues, improvisation, swing and syncopation

[foul]

I just have to watch this for homework