Longtime NYCC composer member Eugene Marlow has completed a feature-length documentary called “Jazz in China,” which is based on his 2018 acclaimed book of the same name. The documentary was announced as an official event of International Jazz Day, April 30, 2021.

The central theme of the documentary is timely. It’s about jazz—a democratic form of music—existing in a country with a long tradition of adherence to central authority—namely, China. 

The documentary reveals the significant influence of African-American jazz musicians and twentieth century technologies in the spread of jazz in China and its appeal to a largely young audience. The documentary includes interviews with leading indigenous jazz musicians, sinologists, historians, and jazz club patrons in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as archival and contemporary performance footage. 

The full-length program is currently available for streaming for a limited time at no cost to the viewer. Marolow’s production company MEII Enterprises will be distributing DVD versions later in the summer of 2021. Contact Eugene Marlow at meiienterprises@aol.com for information regarding access to the program.