1959: The Year That Changed Jazz

This BBC Four documentary explores how 1959 was the seismic year that jazz broke away from complex bebop music to new forms – allowing soloists unprecedented freedom to explore and express. Four major jazz albums were made, each a high watermark for the artists and a powerful reflection of the times. Rarely seen archive performances help vibrantly bring the era to life.

The programme contains interviews with Lou Reed, Dave Brubeck, Ornette Coleman, Charlie Haden, Herbie Hancock, Joe Morello (Brubeck’s drummer) and Jimmy Cobb (the only surviving member of Miles’ band), along with a host of jazz movers and shakers from the 50s and beyond.