Jazz refers to a specific type of music, and also the dances that are performed to this music. The origination of jazz was the African American communities in the early 20th century, and the first place it became popular was Chicago, Illinois. The influence of West Africa can be heard in the notes of the music and the movements of jazz dances. Jazz quotes show that this type of music and dance is just as popular today, if not more so, than it was in the past. Jazz may also be referred to as rhythm and blues or just the blues, and it involves a number of instruments that have soulful sounds. Some jazz music is upbeat while other songs may be slower in tempo or deal with unpleasant subjects.