Native Roots of Jazz

It is commonly held that jazz developed out of a synthesis of European and African music. However, few people are aware that jazz was also influenced by Native American music. Although the influence of Native American music on jazz has not been widely expressed, it has not gone unnoticed. Oscar Pettiford contended that “the importance of the American Indian to jazz has been underestimated if not completely overlooked.” He also maintained “the 4/4 tempo, ...came directly from the American Indian; that, though it existed in European music, it was not used in the same way; and that African rhythms, ...were of very different rhythmic nature.” Native flute player Bobb Fantauzzo narrates a series of short biographical pieces highlighting some of the giants of jazz with Native roots.