Jazz music originated in the late 19th century in New Orleans, where the African American identity was coming into its own. Combining the rich cultural heritage of Africa with European musical tradition into a distinct and recognisable form, it emerged as a rebellious response to oppression and became a symbol for freedom, survival and memory.

Jazz in Australia has a long and deep history. The first performances occurred within only a year of the style's emergence in the United States. By the mid-1920s, jazz (or jass, ‘hot dance music’) was well established as a core of the Australian music scene.

First held in Melbourne in 1946, the Australian Jazz Convention has since occurred annually in various towns and states across the country, becoming the longest-running annual jazz event in the world.

This Australian Diary short film from 1970 captures the New South Wales township of Dubbo deep in the throes of the 25th festival, when street corners, pubs and town halls alike were overtaken by musicians displaying their talent.

This concert excerpt features the original Graeme Bell Australian Jazz Band performing to a packed performance space. A founding member of the Convention, Graeme Bell was a pianist, composer, band leader and passionate promoter of jazz in Australia. He is regarded by many as the most influential jazz musician that the country has ever produced.

Showcasing the Graeme Bell band: Graeme Bell on piano, Roger Bell on trumpet, Ade Monsbourgh on the valve trombone, Norm 'Bud' Baker on the banjo, Lou Silbereisen on bass and Lawrie Thomson on drums.