Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime.

Since the 1920s Jazz Age, it has been recognized as a major form of musical expression in traditional and popular music, linked by the common bonds of African-American and European-American musical parentage.

Jazz is characterized by swing and blue notes, complex chords, call and response vocals, polyrhythms and improvisation. Jazz has roots in European harmony and African rhythmic rituals.

Here at Radio 5mbs, our passionate presenters curate many programs each month, each one sampling a cross section of jazz music, or focussing on a particular genre, composer, instrument, or theme.

You can view information about jazz programs each month by visiting our Program Guide page.