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Influence Of African And European Music On The New World

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Jazz is an art form which developed completely in the new world. However, the influence of African and European music spread due to immigration, slavery and trade. Jazz has a complex history which has roots in a diverse range of musical genres. Many factors which affected the development of jazz were intentional. However, many were also circumstantial, and as a result, gave jazz unique elements which otherwise would not be present. Jazz has two main genres of music which influenced it: Western military marches and traditional music which came from Africa and was developed by African Slaves. African slaves, while stripped of most of their culture, were usually allowed to sing vocal songs as they were shown to help get work done. These field hymns originated from the traditional musical practices in Africa, and developed over time. As slaves began setting up escape routes and converting to Christianity, their songs developed coded messages, usually using religious stories such as the Exodus as metaphors for running away. These songs always stayed true to African harmonies, melodies, and rhythms. On the Western side, marching bands were important from the begining of America. At the start of the 19th century, many blacks began being drafted to be musicians in these marching bands. They played an important role in directing the troops in various wars, such as the war of 1812 and the Civil War. After the end of the Civil War, there were many brass instruments in the hands of

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