Cañon City Public Library

Documentary exploring the history of jazz from its beginnings through the 1990s, including the stories of many of its creators and performers. Includes archival video, still photographs, historical performances, and newly recorded interviews and musical performances.

Learn about this popular music form and hear each instrument play on a specially produced CD.

Presents an overview of jazz, its elements, and its history.

"From T.J. English, the New York Times bestselling author of Havana Nocturne, comes the epic, scintillating narrative of the interconnected worlds of jazz and organized crime in 20th century America"--

Jazz is a uniquely American art form. This popular style of music sprang from post-slavery African-American culture, as children of slaves settled in big cities. They began to fuse their musical heritage with the influences of their new surroundings, and the result is still felt in the music we know as jazz today.

Traces the origins of jazz, examining its unique rhythmic improvisation, instrumentation, scat singing, changing styles, and prominent musicians.

Traces the development of jazz music from its origins in New Orleans through the late twentieth century, examining the different forms the music has taken throughout the years, telling of great moments in jazz history, and discussing some of the genre's most significant performers.

Chronicles the origin and development of the American jazz movement describing the instruments, sounds, and techniques that characterize jazz music; as well as profiles of jazz legends including Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and John Coltrane.

A collection of biographical essays focusing on major jazz instrumentalists and bandleaders.