Clarke Peters explores the music of black Europe at the time of World War One. The sounds of what would become jazz start to emerge, including African-American banjo bands who entertained London high society, and the military music of Harlem bandleader James Reese Europe which enthralled France. The programme also includes music by captured African prisoners of war, recorded in camps across Germany.
Much of the music in this series is drawn from Black Europe, a vast box set issued by Bear Family Records and documenting the sounds of the era.With readings by Paterson Joseph.

Presenter: Clarke Peters
Producer: Tom Woolfenden
Executive producer: Maria Williams

(Photo: Clarke Peters. Credit: Alexandra Quinn) Show less