How the Flexibility of the Twelve-Bar Blues Has Helped Shape the Jazz Language

It would be difficult to overstate the impact the blues had on American music in the 20th century. One reason the blues form has exerted such far-reaching influence has been its ability to morph in order to suit a wide variety of musical visions, a malleability that can clearly be seen in jazz. From the early rural blues, to the urban blues of the 1920s to the use of the blues in modern-day jazz, the form has exhibited notable flexibility while still retaining its basic structure. How the blues has influenced most of the major forms of jazz are discussed through an analysis of recordings. In addition, a discussion on the roots of the blues and a definition of the blues is included.