Many people recognize jazz the way they recognize elevator music: soft, slow and boring. This is by no means true, for jazz is the very expression of life. Influenced by the distinct sound of African slave songs, jazz music first came about in the late 19th century, where African American musicians began using instruments to express their individuality and freedom. Many slow jazz songs can give off a very emotional atmosphere that is both exciting and relaxing at once. Often jazz can get into a soothing groove so comforting that you can't possibly ignore it, and you begin to move your head to the rhythms without even realizing it.

Of course, jazz can also have its fast side. Some jazz artists choose to play with tremendous speed and volume that can quickly excite and energize any night club scene. In fact, certain jazz songs have been performed at speeds faster than most every popular song out today. Anyone who has seen a fast jazz song performed live will tell you that it is anything but boring.

One of the biggest characteristics of jazz music has been improvisation. Most jazz songs have small breaks in between where its performers play melodies that they make up on the spot. Here's where a jazz musicia's creativity is tested, as he tries to come up with various ways to play over the chords being played behind him. Imagine how hard it would be to come up with an interesting melody over a song that changes its chords every second. It’s been done!
 
So if you're into self expression and are interested in the idea of improvisation, give jazz a try. If you listen carefully, you're bound to find something in it you like.