Evolution of a Jazz Tune
Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morten, composer of "King Porter Stomp" As is true of all Western art forms, jazz has evolved greatly since its early days. In this edition of the Jazz Archive, host David Dann provides an overview of the music's changes by contrasting successive versions of a single jazz composition, "King Porter Stomp." Beginning with a version by the piece's composer, Jelly Roll Morton, Dann follows the tune through its swing, modern and post-modern permutations, showing that while jazz has advanced through many styles, it still retains at its core a strong sense of its history.
