The Guitar In Jazz is a 12-part radio documentary. A chronological examination of the evolution of jazz from a guitarists perspective. Each episode includes exclusive interview excerpts from master jazz guitarists and example tracks from their recording catalogues to help explain their sound, and examines the techniques, innovations, and partnerships that have been pivotal in the evolving the art form.

PART 1 here details the rise in popularity of the guitar, as it superceded the banjo as a rhythm section staple in early jazz and popular American music. Including exclusive interview excerpts from George Van Eps and Ivor Mairants, it surveys the techniques of Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson, and Van Eps himself, amongst others. It also includes a very entertaining and educational tracklist.

The Guitar In Jazz was first broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in 1994, and is written and presented by British jazz guitarist and educator Charles Alexander, and produced by Nick Freeth.

Chapters & Tracklist:
0:00 - Introduction medley; 1. Kenny Burrell - 'All Night Long'; 2. Wes Montgomery - 'West Coast Blues'; 3. Jim Hall - 'All The Things You Are'; 4. John Scofield Quartet
02:20 - Banjo beginnings, and the guitar in the 1920s
03:32 - Nick Lucas - 'Teasin' The Frets' (1922)
05:50 - Eddie Lang
06:20 - Joe Venuti's Blue Four (feat. Eddie Lang) - 'Dinah' (1928)
09:17 - Eddie Lang, from banjo to the Gibson L5
10:30 - Ivor Mairants discusses Lonnie Johnson
11:13 - Lonnie Johnson & Eddie Lang - 'Handful Of Riffs' (1929)
14:24 - George Van Eps; sophisticated chordal styles, inventor, and designer
15:10 - George Van Eps discusses Eddie Lang, and his Guitar Method and Harmonic Mechanisms.
16:43 - George Van Eps - 'Once In A While' (1949)
19:15 - Ivor Mairants recalls Dick McDonough's technique and style
20:05 - Dick McDonough - 'Chasing A Buck' (1930s)
22:22 - Dick McDonough and the guitar duo
23:05 - Albert Harris & Ivor Mairants - 'Spring Fever' (1935)
26:11 - Marty Grosz & Wayne Wright


Digitised to 24-bit/44.1kHz WAV, from TDK Ferric cassette tape, using a Denon DRM-650S tape deck (Dolby B) and Tascam Model 12 digital recorder.

Copyright Disclaimer:
The content used in this video is intended for educational and informational purposes only. All rights to the images, music, clips, and other materials used belong to their respective owners. I do not claim ownership over any third-party content used.

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