Bernstein's lecture "What is Jazz?" was recorded in New York City in July 1956. (Timing: 42:49)
Originally broadcast on October 15, 1955 as part of CBS's "Omnibus" series, Leonard Bernstein's eloquent deconstruction of jazz attains the near impossible: it achieves an understanding and appreciation of the essence of jazz that is attractive and informative to both lay persons and more experienced listeners. Using interesting musical examples, Bernstein abandons the usual historical approach and gets inside the elements of jazz. The most delightful aspects of the first half of this CD are the terrific performances by Louis Armstrong, Teo Macero, Coleman Hawkins, Buster Bailey, Buck Clayton, and Bessie Smith, among others. And where else could you here a modernist rendition of "Sweet Sue" by Miles Davis and John Coltrane?
The disc is rounded out by a live recording of Alfredo Antonini's concerto grosso setting of W. C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues" featuring Louis Armstrong's Sextet backed by Bernstein and the Lewisohn Stadium Symphony Orchestra (the New York Philharmonic in its summer setting) and Howard Brubeck's "Dialogues for Jazz Combo and Orchestra." The former features Armstrong at the height of his powers in 1956, while the latter is a delightful piece of "third stream" jazz featuring the delicately swinging Brubeck Quartet.