There are different types of jazz music, each with their own origin and style. Jazz music is distinctly different from any other types of music and can be recognized world wide as having a uniquely American flair to it. Jazz had its beginnings in the United States but is now considered to have a fine mixture of African culture thrown in with it. There are four distinct parts to jazz music that include rhythm, harmony, melody, and tonal qualities. No matter what type of jazz that you enjoy you’ll be able to find a club that caters to your tastes. There are many experimental jazz venues that are popping up all over the place, including many European cities where all types of music are welcomed and appreciated.

One style of jazz is known as the Work Song. This type of jazz is upbeat and rhythmically fast since it was often used to make the work day pass by quicker. The Work Song is repeated over and over in a rhythmic style that is not often heard these days. This type of jazz is often associated with African American music perhaps because of this rhythmic beat that has become the least popular of jazz styles today.

New Orleans Jazz is another style that had its beginnings in the early 1890's American history. It began marching songs and gospel songs used in brass band performances. One of the foremost leaders in this style is the famous bandleader, William Basie, otherwise known for his band, the Count Basie Orchestra. This style of jazz is still popular today.

Another type of jazz style is the Chicago Style of jazz that began in the late 1917’s. Chicago was known as the jazz location of the country since musicians that were leaving the southern states due to the prohibition were moving north looking for new jobs and places where they could play this new type of jazz. It was at this time that the piano was added to the background sound of jazz, creating an entirely new sound that became known as Chicago Style jazz.

World War II came and went transforming jazz yet again. This era is when Bebop was born. Bebop fuses fast tempo with changing rhythmic patterns and makes a softer, lighter sound. Bebop will often focus on a solo performer instead of the whole band.

Jazz is a constantly changing branch of music that still manages to retain its roots. Jazz is one of the branches of music that has changed and continues to evolve according the different outlook of the listeners. Jazz offers a flexibility - the ability to adapts to different times and needs - and is one of the central reasons it is so popular today.

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