What is the primary instrument featured in traditional New Orleans jazz?

The primary instrument featured in traditional New Orleans jazz is the cornet or trumpet. This brass instrument plays a crucial role in the ensemble and solo performances characteristic of this genre. The cornet, often associated with the early jazz musicians, has a rich, warm tone that allows for expressive melodies, which were integral to the improvisational style of traditional New Orleans jazz. Early jazz ensembles typically highlighted the cornet or trumpet as the lead melodic instrument, supported by the bass and rhythm section, while other instruments like the trombone and clarinet also played important but often complementary roles.

The prominence of the cornet can be traced back to the early jazz figures such as Louis Armstrong and King Oliver, who utilized the instrument to create the signature sounds of the New Orleans jazz scene. This influence continues to shape the identity and sound of jazz music as a whole.