Jazz is more than just a musical genre. It is a way of thinking about sound and freedom. It was born in the early 20th century in New Orleans, in the heart of the American South. It was created from a fusion of cultures: African rhythms, European harmonies and American expression.
It is a music of improvisation, dialogue and emotion that never sounds the same twice.

Where did jazz come from?

The roots of jazz go back to African-American labor songs, blues and ragtime. When slavery was abolished, ancient rhythms and spiritual chants began to merge with European instruments, such as the trumpet, clarinet and piano.
New Orleans was then a melting pot of cultures, and it was there that the first jazz orchestras were born. Over time, jazz spread all over the world: from Chicago clubs to New York’s Harlem stages to European concert halls.

In Poland, jazz appeared after World War II – and quickly became a symbol of artistic freedom during the difficult times of communist Poland. It was then that legendary festivals such as the Jazz Jamboree in Warsaw and Jazz on the Oder in Wroclaw began to emerge.

Jazz today – immortal and still fresh

Jazz does not grow old. It is constantly changing, combining with electronica, hip-hop and even classical music. It is a genre that allows artists to speak in their own voice and always leaves room for improvisation.

If there is one place where you can feel the spirit of jazz in Wroclaw, it is undoubtedly our Vertigo Jazz Club & Restaurant. We regularly host the best Polish and foreign jazz musicians, and organize jam sessions, theme concerts and evenings with soul, funk or blues music. Together we create a place that attracts not only jazz fans, but anyone who wants to stay for a while in the rhythm of improvisation and emotions.

Jazz is music that lives only when it is listened to live. And preferably in a place where sound meets emotion and the audience becomes part of the performance.

Photo by Milena Drelak