Flanked by a bevy of jazz-related programmes, Jazz Britannia takes us by the hand through this important 20th century African-American art form.

Set mainly in London jazz haven, Soho, the series shines a light on this glittering and diverse genre, which forever maintains a healthy distance from the mainstream.

BBC Four's Jazz Britannia begins on Friday 28th January, a celebration of the styles and trends that epitomize British jazz. You can expect some rather splendid music, of course, and also interviews with the legendary likes of Ronnie Scott, Chris Barber, Acker Bilk and Johnny Dankworth, through to modern jazzers Amy Winehouse and Jamie Cullum.

First episode: Stranger on the Shore spirits us back to the heady 40s and 50s, and discusses the early days of Britain's relationship with African-American music and trad jazz, dance bands and Rhythm Clubs.

Part two, Strange Brew, looks at the struggle that British jazz faced during the 60s as it competed with the rock 'n' roll phenomenon after the glory days of the 50s. We see the birth of fusion and abstract jazz charted here, with South African, Indian and jazz fusion entering the jazz consciousness, and artists experimenting with the wa-wa pedal and fusing jazz with classical and rock.

The final episode, The Rebirth of Cool, shows how, since the experimentation of the 70s, British jazz has re-shaped itself and thus appeals to new audiences. We hear how artists such as Andy Sheppard, Larry Stabbins, Courtney Pine and Django Bates revitalised the scene, and now, the likes of Katie Melua, Amy Winehouse and Jamie Cullum are making jazz accessible to mainstream audiences while artists such as Matthew Herbert, Gilles Peterson and Soweto Kinch push boundaries.

The series is directed by Mike Connolly and Mark Cooper, and narrated by Terence Stampon BBC Four

Barbican Weekend:
On 12th and 13th February, Jazz Britannia brings us a special weekend of concerts, echoing the themes of the series. This fabulous live event from the Barbican celebrates the music and musicians that shaped British jazz.

The first night, hosted by Gilles Peterson will feature a live remix of his release Impressed and legendary guests such as Matthew Herbert, Soweto Kinch, Stan Tracey and Norma Winstone. The second night celebrates the immigrant's contribution to British jazz, and is hosted by saxophonist Courtney Pine with special guests.

Sure to be a winner of a series, catch it if you can:

BBC Four - Jazz Britannia
Friday 28 January, 9.00 - 10.00pm: Stranger on the Shore
Friday 4 February, 9.00pm - 10.00pm: Strange Brew
Friday 11 February, 9.00pm - 10.00pm: The Rebirth of Cool
Link: Jazz Britannia series details

Jazz Britannia from the Barbican
Saturday 12 February: Giles Peterson & Guests - Time tbc
Sunday 13 February: Courtney Pine & Guests - Time tbc

More details and information can be found at: www.barbican.org.uk/contemporary