definition for: #jazzcontinuum

All styles of music developed, performed and recorded since the late 1890?s that have been created out of a process of improvisation, rhythmic and polyrhythmic syncopation, melodic counterpoint, and a blending of sounds and cultures with a focus on individual and group virtuosity and communication. There are no specific rules or guidelines ? just a living, breathing art form that is created new each time someone picks up any instrument or sings an original note. The Jazz Continuum can also be defined as any style or genre of music that is NOT part of the 1,500 years of Classical Continuum (which preceded the Jazz Continuum) wherein the musical process was focused on composition, and the interpretation of composition, rather than spontaneous performance, improvised solos, dancing, rocking, grooving, soul, blues and a blending of styles and cultures. The Jazz Continuum has no walls, no boundaries ? but rather serves as a bridge to all cultures and styles of music around the world. Unless we develop a new process of musical creation, the Jazz Continuum will continue to include all styles and eras of music developed since the onset of the 20th Century . . . and for centuries to come.