Jazz and Blues Steeped in Down-Home Tennessee Heritage

In addition to its beautiful, mountainous terrain andTennessee blues is rooted in piano, guitar and vocal
friendly, Southern appeal, Tennessee is well-knownchord progressions and raw, gritty lyrics that reflect
for its thriving music scene, particularly in the jazz andthe struggles of everyday life. No topic is taboo
blues genre. From Nashville to Memphis, some of thewhen it comes to the blues, with songs relating to
greatest minds in the music industry have recorded,racism, love, loss, finances and more -- all meant to
lived or played in the state, taking advantage of itsreflect the pain and emotion of society at the time.
musical heritage and deep-rooted fan base. Both theMeanwhile, jazz is a bit more upbeat, incorporating
jazz and blues genres have their roots inblue notes and vocal improvisation to a melodious
African-American communities; however, over time,sound. Jazz is generally a bit more polished and
the genres have evolved to reflect and include allincludes more instruments than blues, which is usually
cultures and faces.more dependent on percussion, guitar and vocals.
Jazz Roots