Art 211- Jazz

Normally when the topic of Jazz comes to mind, I think of either two things : My dad who loves Bonny James or certain paintings that are abstract, colorful and overall funky. As I researched further into the history of Jazz, I came to find out that these works of art are perfect representational mascots for jazz music. Like we discussed in class, Jazz started to really evolve during a time of rebellion for the American culture. At the same time, artists also started to rebel. 

Picasso 

Matisse

As for the origin of Jazz, it traces back to the African culture involving rhythmic melodies that later evolved into work songs, field shouts and hymns. Later, it became a major influence on white orchestras. 


There are many theories, however, to the origin of the actual word, Jazz. According to some historians, one theory suggests that it evolved in areas like New Orleans around the turn of the century. Women would approach men saying something like, "Want to get jazzed up tonight?" This was because they wore a perfume that contained the flower jasmine. Apparently, when adding this to perfume, you were "jazzing it up". Therefor, it was used as an erotic term. Jazz is also thought to have stemmed from the french word "jaser" or in other words, "to chatter". All in all, there doesn't seem to be a definite answer to the origin of the word, Jazz. 




http://www.40north.org/jazzthreads/jazzyarns/thewordjazz.html
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/jazz/58623