Medici.tv has expanded its offerings to include jazz which our patrons now can enjoy streaming along with classical music, ballet, and opera performances. They have gathered the greatest jazz programs available: a mix of triumphant concerts and touching documentaries, and of course an unrivaled roster of performers, ranging from legendary, genre-defining artists of decades past like Nina Simone, Chet Baker, and Miles Davis, to stars who continue to light up the stage today like China Moses, Christian Scott, Ambrose Akinmusire, Chucho Valdés, and many more. With over 300 programs to choose from, it is a jazz aficionado’s dream and also a great starting point if you are a neophyte to the genre like I am. In honor of African American History Month, I sampled two amazing performances by Jazz Greats and proud African American Musicians Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald.
Ray Charles Live in Paris
I still remember the first time I saw the incomparable Ray Charles performance being broadcast, I was in awe of him as a kid when he participated in 1985 in the video for “We Are the World”. I was interested to see some of his earlier performances of which Medici.tv has several including when he performed live at the Salle Pleyel in 1970 in Paris. I was particularly moved by his captivating cover of the Beatles song “Yesterday.”
Ella Fitzgerald Live at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels
You will understand why Ella Fitzgerald is considered the queen of jazz when you enjoy her magnificent performance recorded live at the Palais de Beaux-Arts in Brussels in 1957. She performs “Angel Eyes”, “April In Paris”, and one of my favorites “It Don’t mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” I felt like cheering along with the crowd in awe at her amazing vocal skills. Her band-mates include Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, Herb Ellis, Jo Jones, and Roy Eldridge.
Have you checked out Medici.tv’s jazz offerings? What are some of your favorites?
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 
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