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    Jazz - A Film by Ken Burns Director: Ken Burns

    VHS - 10 Disc Set - 10 Pack Learn more

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    • VHS Release Date: 01/02/2001
    • Rating: Not Rated

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    DVD$76.49

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    Editorial Reviews

    Jazz by definition originates in swinging rhythms, music virtuosity, and the exuberant spirit of improvisation. Jazz, a film by Ken Burns, harnesses the power and joy of this uniquely American art form, sculpting a celebration of the music, the musicians, and jazz's impact on the world. In sheer scope, nothing in the history of the jazz documentary comes close to matching it. Six years in the making, the film traces jazz's various tributaries and branches , including blues, ragtime, swing, bebop, cool, hard bop, avant-garde, fusion, and contemporary jazz. Ever the great archivist, Burns has mined some breathtaking footage. Among the rarities he's unearthed: never-before-broadcast footage of Charlie Parker and of Count Basie's band featuring legendary saxophonist Lester "Pres" Young. Burns has also assembled thoroughly engaging onscreen commentary by major musicians -- Wynton Marsalis and Dave Brubeck -- and influential critics, including Stanley Crouch and Gary Giddins. Running in 10 episodes over 19 hours, both the DVD and VHS editions of the series offer a riveting stream of classic jazz performances, images, and historical insight, plus thousands of photographs and numerous filmed performances. The DVD also boasts a making-of featurette and three additional performances that will not be broadcast, making Jazz an unparalleled archival feast. Barnes & Noble

    Customer Reviews

    6 Starsby Anonymous

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    May 25, 2004: Being a jazz musician myself, I totally enjoyed every minute of this documentary, which is extremely thorough and enlightening. Anyone who wants to learn more about the development of American music absolutely must see this. There is no denying that jazz, especially the blues, has influenced almost every modern form of music there is, and this documentary certainly gives one an appreciation for those musicians who paved the way. The commentators, Wynton Marsalis, Stanley Crouch, and Gary Giddins, do a marvelous job of providing insight, especially Marsalis, who demonstrates a great depth of knowledge of jazz history. I especially enjoyed Marsalis? trumpet interludes, where he closely emulated the sounds of various musicians from different eras, showing the time he has spent closely studying and listening to recordings of his jazz forefathers. The coverage of the foundations of jazz, of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and other jazz giants is very well done, and not only is the information comprehensive, but the photos, background music, and narration are all masterfully done. The only drawback I saw was the lack of coverage of younger jazz musicians, but there are so many talented up and coming jazz talents that covering every influential jazz artist ever would have turned this documentary into a 50-hour marathon. At 19-hours, the documentary is extensive enough, and there is not a minute wasted. Overall, this documentary is jam-packed with intriguing stories about the development of jazz, and is an absolute must-see.

    This review was written about the DVD Pan & Scan / Black & White / Stereo edition.

    Better than a college classby Anonymous

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    December 04, 2001: This series ran the same time I was taking a history of jazz class in college with a teacher that was more of a jazz musician than a professor. I was thrilled to come home each night and go much more indepth than what we had covered that day. It made jazz more interesting as well as a lot easier to learn. If I would have known about this series earlier, I would have spent the money on the videos and taken ceramics. Ken Burns has a way of drawing the viewer in and making it impossible to get bored or side tracked while watching. A must for anyone who wants to learn about jazz or anyone who thinks they already know all there is to know about it.

    This review was written about the DVD Pan & Scan / Black & White / Stereo edition.


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