Many inhabitants of New Mexico were not satisfied with the American rule. Some wanted their old government and connection with Mexico, others hated Bent because of his attitude towards Mexicans. That's why they assassinated him.
Blues was a major influence on early jazz style and composition. The blues style involved playing blue notes (minor keys/pentatonic blues scale) and also joining notes through melismatic (sliding) runs, both of which were hallmarks of many early jazz melodies and solos.
