This Jazz Feature is Part 1 of a tradition on this show done at this time of year. Maestro Leonard Bernstein was a person who despite his massive reputation in classical music loved and understood and respected Jazz, it's players and the music. Bernstein was a pioneer through recordings and television who made the complexities of music understandable to the lay person. He succeeded and this album is an example of this as it pertains to Jazz music. Bernstein explains what is and what isn't Jazz and does it in a non-academic way. No matter how many times one hears this recording there is always something new to learn. So we always make this recording available in September when students return to school. Bernstein's narration is augmented not only by his own piano playing but by artists like Coleman Hawkins, Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Phil Woods, Miles Davis etc. Part 1 is all about what makes Jazz unique. Part 2 takes apart a old pop song and demonstrates how musicians from different eras and styles play the tune. "What is Jazz" is worth your time and is educational and entertaining. Thank you Leonard Bernstein.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related