Ep 8. Risk (1945-1955)

Ken Burns: Jazz is a documentary series that delves into the rich history and culture of Jazz music in America. In season 1, episode 8 titled "Risk (1945-1955)", viewers are taken on a journey through the decade following World War II, a time of great change and innovation in Jazz.

The episode opens with a focus on the war's impact on the Jazz scene. Many Jazz musicians served in the armed forces, and the war created a sense of camaraderie between musicians of different races, helping to break down some of the barriers that had previously existed. However, the end of the war also saw the emergence of the Cold War, and musicians would soon find themselves in the crosshairs of the anti-Communist movement.

As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to a number of important figures and developments in Jazz during this era. One of these figures is Charlie Parker, a saxophonist who is widely considered one of the most innovative and influential Jazz musicians of all time. Parker's development of the bebop style in the late 1940s is explored, with experts weighing in on the impact of his music and his sometimes tumultuous personal life.

Another important figure discussed in the episode is Dizzy Gillespie. Gillespie was a trumpeter who also helped pioneer the bebop style, and his collaborations with Parker are considered some of the most important recordings in Jazz history. The episode also covers some of Gillespie's experiments in incorporating Latin American rhythms into his music, which would help pave the way for the Latin Jazz movement in the coming years.

In addition to these individual musicians, the episode also explores broader trends and themes in Jazz during this era. For example, the development of the "cool Jazz" style is discussed, and experts delve into the ways this style was different from the more frenetic bebop style. The influence of the West Coast Jazz scene, centered in Los Angeles, is also examined, as well as the emergence of the "Third Stream" movement, which sought to bridge the worlds of Jazz and classical music.

Throughout the episode, the viewer is provided with a rich tapestry of music, images, and commentary that help paint a vivid picture of the Jazz landscape in the years following World War II. Along the way, they are introduced to a wide range of musicians, both famous and obscure, and given a sense of the many different directions that Jazz was heading during this era.

Ultimately, "Risk (1945-1955)" is a compelling and thought-provoking installment of the Ken Burns: Jazz series. Through its exploration of the post-war Jazz landscape, the episode sheds light not only on the music itself, but on the social and political forces that shaped it. For anyone interested in the history and culture of Jazz, this episode is a must-see.