A Masterpiece by Midnight (part 1). The penultimate episode of this series sees jazz in trouble. In the 1960s people are turning more to other types of music and jazz is forced to search for relevance. During the civil rights struggle in America it becomes a voice of protest for musicians including bassist, composer and band leader Charles Mingus and saxophonist Archie Shepp.
The avant-garde saxophonist John Coltrane links jazz to the quest for a higher consciousness, producing a bestseller with his devotional suite A Love Supreme. Trumpeter Miles Davis , after conquering the avant-garde with the "cool" style of his landmark quintet, then combines jazz with rock. His use of electric instruments launches a popular sound known as "fusion". Narrated by Keith David.
Part 2 of A Masterpiece by Midnight is tomorrow at 11.20pm (S)
Followed by 48 Preludes and Fugues (R) (S) (W)