Jazz, once a staple of early black-and-white TV programing, is returning to the tube with what is described as the first weekly national network jazz series in 40 years.
"Legends of Jazz," which debuts April 2 on PBS, will feature conversations with and studio performances by a range of jazz stars. The initial 13 installments, already shot, include Clark Terry, Roy Hargrove, Chris Botti, Benny Golson, Pat Metheny, Lee Ritenour, Marcus Miller, George Duke, Phil Woods, David Sanborn, Kurt Elling, Al Jarreau, Ivan Lins, Oscar Castro-Neves, Robert Cray, Keb' Mo', Tony Bennett, Chick Corea and the late Ray Barretto.
Hosted by pianist Ramsey Lewis and produced by LRSmedia and WTTW in Chicago, the half-hour shows are shot in high definition with 5.1 surround sound. An additional 13 episodes are greenlighted for next year, and a deal is already in place with WEA (Warner/Elektra/Atlantic) to distribute DVDs and CDs from the performances.
"This show will succeed in bringing jazz back to the public's attention," says Lewis, who co-founded LRSmedia with music entrepreneur Larry Rosen and investor Lee Rosenberg, who also serves as president/CEO of the venture.
RADIO IDEA
Lewis' confidence stems from hosting his two-hour weekly radio program "Legends of Jazz," which is syndicated to nearly 70 stations nationwide. "Five million people tune in each week," says Lewis, best known for his 1965 jazz-pop instrumental hits "The 'In' Crowd" and "Hang on Sloopy."
"Not all are diehard jazz fans," Lewis adds. "Some people are just curious about quality music. We researched broadening the radio idea to television, and we think interest will explode."
Rosen, the founder of the GRP and N2K labels, agrees, citing the success of Ken Burns' televised 2001 jazz documentary and the sales of its related CD compilations -- as well as the success of "American Idol" -- as proof that "people are interested in seeing music on TV."
Each "Legends of Jazz" show is theme-based and features a montage of historical footage and in-studio guests who share anecdotes and perform. The first show focuses on the trumpet's role in jazz, with featured performers Terry, Hargrove and Botti, who play solo and as a group.
Rosen understands that music on TV today is highly produced and often augmented by dancers and electronics. He admits that jazz does not conform to those production values, but says it nonetheless can be presented to audiences in a creative way.
"The music will speak for itself," Rosen says. "Each tune played is four minutes in length without long choruses and is something that an audience can relate to. We're trying to find a line between being true to the music and not dumbing it down."
Rosen reports that more than 80 percent of PBS affiliates plan to air the series. "That's huge and represents a lot of potential eyeballs," he says, and hastens to add, "one challenge is when the stations will program the show." But, he says, so far, so good. For example, WETA in Washington, D.C., and WTTW will give the show top billing in its kickoff week.
By Dan Ouellette
Reuters/Billboard
Technorati Tags: Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Music
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