What I've seen (after two episodes) is that racial issues are thoughtfully presented, and not falling into easy dismissals and traps. Witness the discussion of Paul Whiteman. His impact on American tastes during his time is discussed, and of the resentment many African Americans felt towards him. The commentators could have merely dismissed him as a fraud, but instead, pointed out that Whiteman never called himself the "king of jazz," had always credited the black musicians who influenced him, and they pointed out his contribution of orchestrating jazz, balanced with criticisms of his taking improvization - so central to jazz - out of it. I thought it was an example of the intelligent and sensitive way race issues are being handled. Personally, I don't care at all for Whiteman's music, but gained some insight into his place in jazz history from watching this episode.

I'm sure there will be some gaps, some figures left out, and any documentary tackling such a far-reaching and complex subject as jazz is bound to be a subject of controversy. I am impressed, though, by Burns's commitment to trying to get across the essence of this music and its social history, with thoughtful commentary. Being an interpretation of jazz history, and not, I don't think, an attempt to get everything of any significance discussed, it will not please everyone.

-chanteyranger