Jazz and congregational song, USA

Jazz is a unique type of 20th-century music created by African Americans characterized by melodic variation, the use of ‘blue notes’, syncopated rhythms, extended and altered harmonies, improvisation by the performers, and an open-sounding timbre. Initially, jazz was the music of the dance hall and club, but it gradually gained acceptance in the church. Jazz used in worship now includes keyboard, instrumental, and choral music, as well as accompaniments of sung liturgies and congregational song.  The origins of jazz are in African vocal, instrumental, and dance traditions incorporated by African slaves into unique Ring shout* hymns, spirituals (see African American spiritual*), work...

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