Blues vs Jazz music has always been a race between which among these two is better.
Main Focus
The focus of blues is it is mainly centered on a single guitar vocalist/player and the lyrics of the unique content of the song. In contrast, Jazz music focuses more on improvisations and dynamics of an ensemble.
It is said that Jazz music mainly consists of instrumental music, but blues songs have lyrics in all of them.
Comparison between Blues and Jazz
Cultural origins
When it comes to origins, Blues has been from the late 19th century, whereas Jazz started in the early 20th century. Blues started in the Southern United States, and Jazz was created in African American communities.
Stylistic Origins
The origin of Blues is African American folk music, spirituals, and work songs.
Jazz music is a mixture of American and European music traditions.
Instruments used
Blues use Bass, Guitar, Double bass, Saxophone, Trumpet, Piano, Drums, Harmonica, Trombone, Vocals, and sometimes Fiddle.
Jazz music is composed of Piano, Guitar, Drum kit, Trumpet, Saxophone, Double bass, Tuba, and Clarinet.
Derivative forms
Blues was derived from R&B, Rock and Roll, Jazz, Bluegrass, and Rock music.
Jazz was derived from Jazz Blues, Swing, Fusion, Ragtime, Latin Jazz, Funk, Soul, and Calypso.
Popularity
Blues have been widespread since the early 20th century, and Jazz was primarily used in brothels.
Tone
Blues have slow, sharp, and melancholy tones, whereas Jazz has to sway, and swinging and is mainly associated with the smooth tone with hyper or abstract music.
Popular artists
The popularity of Blues is more, and the artists consist of B. B. King, W. C. Handy, Big Bill Broonzy, Mammie Smith, Mississippi John Hurt, Eric Clapton, Howlin’ Wolf, and many more.
Jazz artists are no less either. Their popularity has also increased tremendously. Some of the greatest artists include Dizzy Gillespie, Ellington, Dave Brubeck, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Elvin Jones, and others.
Genre
The Blues genre is musical, based on chord patterns and emotive lyrics with blue notes.
The jazz genre is a musical with an emphasis on improvisations, syncopated rhythms, and group interactions.
Musical Roots
Blues have narrative ballads, field hollers, and work songs.
Jazz has got African rhythms, marching bands, work songs, early blues music ragtime.
Place of birth
Blues have got their birth in Mississippi and Texas and moved to Chicago.
Jazz has its birth in New Orleans, then to New York and Chicago.
First document
Blues were first documents and published Blues sheet music in 1908 by Antonio Maggio’ “I Got the Blues.”
Jazz was first recorded by the Original Dixieland Jass Band in 1917.
Etymology
Blues ethomology was in West African mysticism, and mourners’ garments were colored blue, indicating their sufferings. Jazz entomology was derived from jasm, an obsolete slang term meaning energy, spirit, and vigor, dated to 1860.
Conclusion:
The best way to learn about the difference between Jazz Music and Blues Music it to get out and listen to it live. There are many types of live music bars in every city where you can find Jazz, Blues, Rock, and Pop music.