The word jazz, it is stated, is a corruption of the word " razz." Years ago a curious New Orleans " coon orchestra " called itself Razz's Band. It was an aggregation of four pieces, a baritone horn, a cornet, a trombone and an instrument something like a clarionet in shape but made out of the wood of the chinaberry tree. This strange instrument can be used only while the sap is in the wood, and after a few weeks of wear it must be thrown away. It is best made by Southern Negroes. The...
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