TRANSCRIPT:
I’m Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.
Jazz didn’t just grow—it took root in cities across America, each with its own sound and story.
In New Orleans, it emerged from African rhythms, blues, and brass bands, reflecting the vibrancy of parades and the spirit of improvisation.
Chicago jazz brought a bold, brassy sound during the Great Migration. Musicians like King Oliver and Louis Armstrong added tighter arrangements and sophisticated solos to the mix.
In Kansas City, the music swung harder. This was the cradle of the blues-based swing that set dance floors on fire.
On the West Coast, Cool Jazz took hold. Artists like Chet Baker and Dave Brubeck slowed things down, focusing on tone, space, and a relaxed sophistication.
Each region shaped jazz in its own voice, together forming a national soundscape of creativity and soul.
This has been Rapp on Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible by The ETV Endowment of South Carolina.