Watching The Sound of Jazz felt like being transported to a transcendent musical moment where Billie Holiday’s soulful voice intertwined with Lester Young’s lyrical saxophone, Count Basie’s infectious swing, Papa Jo Jones’s masterful rhythms, Ben Webster and Coleman Hawkins trading tenor brilliance, and Gerry Mulligan’s cool baritone—all creating a jazz lover’s dream come to life.
FULL 1957 BROADCAST
The Sound of Jazz is a legendary CBS television special that aired on December 8, 1957, as part of the series The Seven Lively Arts. It’s widely celebrated for bringing together some of the greatest jazz musicians of the era for a live, intimate performance. The show was directed by Jack Smight and produced by Robert Herridge, with the music arranged by John Hammond and Whitney Balliett.
Here are some highlights of the concert:
Key Performers
Papa Jo Jones: The master drummer, known for his innovative work with the Count Basie Orchestra.
Osie Johnson: Another renowned drummer of the time, contributing to the rhythm section.
Billie Holiday: The legendary jazz vocalist, delivering one of her final great televised performances.
Count Basie: The iconic pianist and bandleader, whose orchestra had a lasting impact on swing and jazz.
Lester Young: The tenor saxophonist and close collaborator of Billie Holiday, known for his smooth, lyrical style.
Notable Performances
Billie Holiday’s rendition of “Fine and Mellow” is often highlighted as the emotional centerpiece of the show. It features a poignant moment when she shares the stage with Lester Young, rekindling their storied musical connection in what became one of the most memorable collaborations of their careers.
The jam session format allowed various musicians to showcase their artistry, with intimate interplay among giants like Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins, and Gerry Mulligan.
The rhythm sections, featuring Jones and Johnson, exemplified the swing and bebop styles with energy and subtlety.
Legacy
The Sound of Jazz is often considered a cultural landmark, as it captured the authentic, unfiltered essence of jazz in a way that was rare for television at the time.
It offered a platform for interracial collaboration and camaraderie, showcasing the diversity and unity of the jazz community.
Belle Webb ~ Music Beat
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