Jazz Around the World!

Although it originated in the USA, jazz quickly became popular all around the world. Naturally, jazz began to be influenced by the traditional music and sounds of each region. We’ve selected 11 regions for you to discover on the globe!

To use the interactive globe, simply grab a pair of headphones from the stand and connect the jack cable to one of the 11 ports positioned in specific regions on the globe. Each port corresponds to a particular country or region, and when you plug in, you’ll hear a description of the local jazz style, followed by a jazz piece influenced by the musical traditions of that area.

When you’re done listening, please return the headphones! Thank you!

 

Here are the countries on the globe and their descriptions:

New Orleans, USA – The Cradle of Jazz
New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, blended African-American influences, blues, and European traditions to create a unique musical style. Jazz from this city is characterized by improvisation, strong rhythmic sections, and wind instruments such as the trumpet and clarinet. The city’s vibrant spirit is reflected in this music, which continues to inspire and symbolize creative freedom.

New York, USA – The Beating Heart of Jazz
New York is the epicenter of American jazz, a place where the genre has continuously developed and diversified. From the vibrant swing of Harlem to the revolutionary bebop of the ’40s, New York has been a laboratory of innovation for jazz musicians. Here, jazz intersected not only with other musical genres but also with visual arts and literature. Additionally, its influence extended beyond jazz, becoming central to the development of hip-hop culture. Jazz rhythms were reimagined into rap beats, and improvisation inspired the free lyricism of MCs. New York remains a symbol of creativity, a place where jazz continues to evolve, adapting and influencing other musical styles.

Chicago, USA – The Industrial Rhythm of Jazz
Chicago played a crucial role in the development of jazz, especially in the 1920s when musicians from New Orleans migrated to the industrial city. Here, jazz evolved into a faster and more energetic style known as Chicago Jazz, characterized by virtuosic improvisations and dynamic rhythmic sections. Blues and jazz influenced each other, creating a distinct sound with urban influences reflecting the struggles of the working class. Chicago remains an epicenter of jazz innovation, where tradition meets modernity.

Romania – Jazz at the Crossroads of Traditions
Jazz in Romania is an expression of the fusion between local musical traditions and Western influences. Starting in the 1960s, jazz began to integrate elements of Romanian folklore and Balkan sounds into its classical structures. From the complex rhythms of the “doina” to improvisations influenced by traditional music, Romanian jazz reflects the diversity and richness of the country’s cultural heritage.

United Kingdom – The Vanguard of European Jazz
British jazz has established itself as a true leader in Europe, known for its innovation and diversity of styles. From the early influences of American swing to the modern and avant-garde movements, the British jazz scene is a vibrant mix of tradition and experimentation. Since the ’60s, British musicians have redefined jazz, infusing it with elements of rock, electronic music, and African rhythms. Today, the UK remains a hotbed of creativity, hosting artists who push the boundaries of jazz and give it a global contemporary relevance.

Brazil – Jazz in Bossa Nova Rhythm
Brazil has made a unique and vibrant contribution to global jazz, integrating tropical sounds and traditional rhythms into the genre. Brazilian jazz is closely linked to bossa nova, a genre that combined the sophisticated harmonies of jazz with the smooth rhythms of samba. The delicate melodies and poetic lyrics, often inspired by Brazilian landscapes and culture, have captivated international audiences since the ’60s. The sound of Brazilian jazz is warm and relaxed yet filled with complexity, reflecting both the joy of life and the subtle melancholy of local culture.

Norway – The Atmospheric and Silent Nordic Jazz
Norwegian jazz is distinguished by its ethereal and introspective sound, often inspired by the dramatic and melancholic landscapes of the North. Since the 1970s, Norway has developed a unique style of jazz, characterized by the use of space, silence, and modal tones, often enriched with influences from Scandinavian folk music. This minimalist and atmospheric approach to jazz has produced distinctive and contemplative sounds, globally recognized for their depth and subtle beauty. Norwegian artists continue to explore musical boundaries, making Nordic jazz a distinctive voice on the international stage.

Japan – Minimalist and Sophisticated Jazz
Japanese jazz combines local musical traditions with the improvisational freedom of Western jazz, resulting in a minimalist and sophisticated sound. Characterized by balance and harmony, Japanese jazz often incorporates traditional instruments like the shakuhachi and koto, creating a contemplative atmosphere. From the vibrant clubs in Tokyo to internationally renowned artists, Japanese jazz is a unique expression of the fusion between tradition and modernity.

Cuba – The Joyful Rhythms of Jazz
Cuban jazz is an explosion of energy and joy, infused with the vibrant rhythms of traditional Afro-Cuban music. In Cuba, jazz blends seamlessly with son, mambo, and salsa, creating a lively sound that invites dancing. From the bustling streets of Havana to jazz clubs where music pulses until dawn, Cuban jazz is a celebration of life and passion. Instruments like conga, bongos, and timbales bring an unmistakable rhythm, while the improvisation of Cuban musicians turns every performance into a unique and electrifying experience.

Africa – The Roots of Jazz Rhythm
Africa is the primary source of the rhythms and spirit that underpin jazz. African influences, with their emphasis on complex percussion, polyrhythms, and improvisation, crossed the ocean and shaped the essence of this musical style. In the 20th century, jazz returned to Africa, blending with local musical traditions to create unique styles like Afro-Jazz. From the sounds of South Africa to influences from the western part of the continent, African jazz is a celebration of cultural heritage, combining modernity with ancestral roots.

Tuareg Music – The Voice of the Desert
The music of the Tuareg people is a powerful expression of life in the Sahara Desert, blending ancient traditions with modern influences. Also known as Desert Blues, this music is characterized by hypnotic rhythms, repetitive melodies, and a meditative atmosphere, evoking the vastness and solitude of the desert. Traditional instruments like the imzad (a type of one-stringed violin) and tindé (a drum used in ceremonies) combine with modern electric guitar, creating a distinct, melancholic, and powerful sound. The lyrics, often sung in the Tamasheq language, reflect themes of resistance, identity, and deep connection to the land.

 

Rhapsody in Blue – A Quick Overview

George Gershwin composed Rhapsody in Blue, one of the greatest symphonic contributions of the 20th century, in just five weeks. In January 1924, Gershwin learned that he needed to write a piece for a concert organized by Paul Whiteman, scheduled for February 12th in New York. Although he was already busy preparing a musical, Gershwin accepted the challenge.

Inspired by American jazz and European symphonic music, he began composing the piece on a train ride to Boston. The work quickly evolved into a rhapsodic piece for piano and jazz band, and the famous clarinet glissando, performed by Ross Gorman, was added spontaneously during rehearsals. Initially titled American Rhapsody, the name was changed at the suggestion of his brother, Ira, inspired by James McNeill Whistler’s painting Nocturne in Blue and Green.

Rhapsody in Blue premiered on February 12th, 1924, to a packed audience, receiving resounding success.

In just a few weeks, Gershwin managed to create an American musical masterpiece that remains a key landmark in music history.

 

The Color Behind the Name

The title of George Gershwin’s famous composition, Rhapsody in Blue, reflects several essential aspects:

Musical Fusion: Rhapsody in Blue combines elements of classical music with jazz, a genre often associated with “blue” notes—altered notes that add a deep emotional and melancholic quality to the music.

“Blue” as an Emotional Tone: The term “blue” in the title suggests a wide range of emotions, including melancholy, longing, and introspection, which are characteristic of the blues genre. Gershwin aimed to capture the essence and atmosphere of blues and jazz within a more structured, classical format.

Inspiration for the Title: The title was inspired by a conversation between Gershwin and his brother Ira, as well as a painting by James McNeill Whistler titled Nocturne in Blue and Gold. Gershwin wanted the piece to convey a sense of spontaneity and expressiveness, similar to a rhapsody, while “blue” suggested the jazzy and distinctly American character of his work.

 

Blue Train – The Story

John Coltrane’s music left an indelible mark not only on jazz but on many other genres as well. His music influenced people on a spiritual level too, as evidenced by his canonization by the African Orthodox Church in the Saint John Coltrane Church in San Francisco.

Coltrane learned from great artists like Miles Davis, with whom he played on iconic albums such as Kind of Blue and Milestones. Davis gave him the freedom to push his limits and experiment, understanding that the young Coltrane was searching for inspiration. However, Davis was unwilling to tolerate Coltrane’s growing unreliability due to his heroin addiction and eventually fired him from the band. Thelonious Monk, freshly returned from his own exile due to not having a cabaret card, hired Coltrane to play in his group, allowing him to further develop his lyrical and innovative style.

During this period, in 1957, Coltrane recorded Blue Train, which marked a turning point for the saxophonist in many ways. First, it established him as a composer. He wrote four of the five tracks on the album, which was also his first recording as a bandleader. Second, the album showcased the first recorded use of “Coltrane Changes,” or variations of harmonic progressions using substitute chords in standard jazz chord progressions.

Finally, the album signaled a spiritual awakening that Coltrane would pursue for the rest of his life. Being fired from Miles Davis’s band was a wake-up call, and Coltrane spent five days in his room, trying to kick his addiction without medical help. As a friend of his recounted, Coltrane said, “I thought the Lord had taken away my gift of music. I promised the Lord that if He gave me back my gift, I would become a preacher through my saxophone.”