Final answer:
The standard Dixieland style of jazz developed from small bands trying to sound like larger bands. Dixieland, a direct descendant of ragtime and blues marked by collective improvisation and energetic rhythms, was part of the larger cultural shift highlighted by the Harlem Renaissance and 1920s jazz music.
Step-by-step explanation:
The standard Dixieland style of jazz developed from small bands trying to sound like larger bands. Dixieland jazz emerged prominently in the early 20th century, with its origins rooted in the vibrant city of New Orleans. This style of music was a direct descendant of ragtime and blues, infused with improvisation and energetic rhythms.
The African American communities contributed significantly to the emergence of jazz, particularly those in Harlem who played a pivotal role. Dixieland jazz featured collective improvisation where instruments like the trumpet, clarinet, and trombone all played the melody together and solo parts would be improvised.
It also typically utilized a rhythm section consisting of a banjo or guitar, a bass or tuba, and drums. This setup was in part an attempt by smaller bands to mimic the sound and energy of larger orchestras.
Jazz music, encapsulating styles like Dixieland, played a vital role in the cultural movements of the 1920s, particularly the Harlem Renaissance.
Notable jazz artists such as Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway helped to popularize this unique American art form.
The improvisational nature of the music allowed jazz to become a symbol of personal expression and freedom, resonating with the changing societal dynamics of the time—whether in the nightclubs of Harlem or across the various entertainment venues of America.