One of the most enjoyable and expressive treasures of American culture is the music of Thelonious Monk. And, through visits and performances with guests Milt Jackson, Charles McPherson, Tommy Flanagan, and Roy Haynes share their approaches to solos. Some of the greatest recorded solos in the history of the music are considered, featuring the work of such giants as John Coltrane, Sidney Bechet, Charlie Parker, and Thelonious Monk. Wynton Marsalis asks an assemblage of younger musicians to dissect favorite solos by their musical mentors. Percussionists Elvin Jones, Louie Bellson, Kenny Washington, Roy Haynes, and Paul Motian give a fuller understanding of the paramount role of the drums in jazz music through the music of Art Blakey, Philly Joe Jones and more.
Jazz insists on the unique expression of individual character in a way no other music does.
We hear some of the early work of Miles Davis, and trace his rapid development into one of the most influential American artists of his time. Wynton Marsalis guides us through the development of fusion, which joined jazz music with elements of rock and funk. The music of Miles Davis, Return to Forever, Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams' Lifetime, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Weather Report help illustrate the rhythms and electronic sounds that made fusion popular, with discussion from Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, and more. No America, No Jazz Wynton Marsalis demonstrates jazz as a particularly American expression, evoking this country's sense of spirit, possibility, and freedom. He links jazz music to the ideas of writers Albert Murray and Ralph Ellison, the musical insight of Charlie Haden, Gerry Mulligan, and Pat Metheny, and such American treasures as basketball, Brer Rabbit, stand-up comedy, and the railroad.