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

Produced for television and first broadcast in 10 episodes on PBS beginning January, 2001. Insert with episode contents in container for episode 1. Includes Making of Jazz featurette (20 min.) ; three performances not included in the television broadcast (by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis) ; access during play to information about the performances heard in the program ; access to PBS web site by utilizing DVD-ROM drive on computer.

Episode 1. Gumbo (ca. 90 min.) -- episode 2. The gift (ca. 120 min.) -- episode 3. Our language (ca. 120 min.) -- episode 4. The true welcome (ca. 120 min.) -- episode 5. Swing : pure pleasure (ca. 90 min.) -- episode 6. Swing : the velocity of celebration (ca. 105 min.) -- episode 7. Dedicated to chaos (ca. 120 min.) -- episode 8. Risk (ca. 120 min.) -- episode 9. The adventure (ca. 120 min.) -- episode 10. A masterpiece by midnight (ca. 120 min.).