The great American musical invention of the 20th century, jazz is an ever-youthful, still evolving
music of beauty, sensitivity, and brilliance that has produced (and been produced by) an
extraordinary progression of talented artists. JAZZ: The Smithsonian Anthology traces the turning
points in its history through its legendary innovators among them Armstrong, Ellington, Basie,
Parker, Gillespie, Davis, Hancock, Corea, Marsalis and notable styles, from early ragtime to
international modernism and every major movement in between. With 111 tracks that showcase
artists at their best and most influential, this remarkable anthology is the successor to the milestone
Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz of 1973, once again offering a wellspring resource for
educators, students, musicians, beginners, and aficionados. Scores of leading jazz scholars,
performers, and writers collaborated in selecting the recordings and producing the incisive
annotations. The accompanying book also features an informative background essay as well as
suggestions for listeners on appreciating the full richness of the performances. If ever there were a
jazz appreciation course in a box, this is it. JAZZ: The Smithsonian Anthology renews the legacy
of Folkways Records founder Moses Asch s commitment to letting the people s music be heard
and fulfills the educational mission of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, the nonprofit record label
of the United States national museum.