The primary thrust of this second episode of "Jazz" mostly focuses on two of the jazz greats, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. The first half of the show focuses on their work and the final portion discusses a few of their contemporaries.
The show begins by talking about Armstrong's very troubled childhood. The child of a prostitute who grew up in the worst part of New Orleans, there isn't much about this early life that would predict greatness. However, he had a gift and when he got his first musical instrument at age 10, folks could tell he had the gift. His life in New Orleans and eventual relocation to Chicago are the focus of this portion of the show.
Then Ellington's life in Washington, DC and then Harlem, New York are discussed. Much more of his life is actually discussed in part three--particularly his success at The Cotton Club. Part two is more about his early life and earliest days on stage. In addition to focusing on these two men, the show also discusses the style of music in Chicago versus New York/Harlem. In particular, the importance of the piano to New York jazz and cutting contests.
Other topics covered were the supposed moral degradation brought on by jazz, the emergence of white jazz (such as the Austin High Gang near Chicago and Paul Whiteman), Fletcher Henderson and his decision to bring Armstrong to New York as well as George Gershwin and his influence on jazz and vice-versa.
Like part one, this one is quite enjoyable, entertaining and with great music. While I am certainly no expert on jazz and might be too easily impressed, I think the show did a lovely job--the sort of thing director Ken Burns is known for--with interviews, photos with a roving camera, amazing tunes and a nostalgic mood.
The show begins by talking about Armstrong's very troubled childhood. The child of a prostitute who grew up in the worst part of New Orleans, there isn't much about this early life that would predict greatness. However, he had a gift and when he got his first musical instrument at age 10, folks could tell he had the gift. His life in New Orleans and eventual relocation to Chicago are the focus of this portion of the show.
Then Ellington's life in Washington, DC and then Harlem, New York are discussed. Much more of his life is actually discussed in part three--particularly his success at The Cotton Club. Part two is more about his early life and earliest days on stage. In addition to focusing on these two men, the show also discusses the style of music in Chicago versus New York/Harlem. In particular, the importance of the piano to New York jazz and cutting contests.
Other topics covered were the supposed moral degradation brought on by jazz, the emergence of white jazz (such as the Austin High Gang near Chicago and Paul Whiteman), Fletcher Henderson and his decision to bring Armstrong to New York as well as George Gershwin and his influence on jazz and vice-versa.
Like part one, this one is quite enjoyable, entertaining and with great music. While I am certainly no expert on jazz and might be too easily impressed, I think the show did a lovely job--the sort of thing director Ken Burns is known for--with interviews, photos with a roving camera, amazing tunes and a nostalgic mood.
