Doc: British Trad Jazz

After World War II, Britain was a mess. The country had been bombed during the war, the country lost roughly a half-million people and Britain had to borrow significantly to pay its war bills. On the home front, the post-war economy was in miserable shape and the government instituted austerity measures such as rationing. The mood was bleak and lasted for about 15 years. During this period, many people kept their spirits up by gravitating toward traditional New Orleans-style jazz. Known euphemistically as “trad jazz," the music's pre-rock popularity included a large number of bands and club patrons throughout the country dancing.

Here's a documentary that sheds light on the trend and the music...