The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Live, lead by Artistic and Musical Director Dr. David Baker, set out to explore, present, promote, and perpetuate the historical legacy of jazz. The orchestra in-residence at the National Museum of American History, celebrated "Jazz Appreciation Month" at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, giving five performances that were consolidated into this exclusive DVD. Special features include song introductions by internationally famous composer, conductor, performer, author, and educator, Dr. David Baker.

MCG Jazz's (Manchester Craftsman's Guild) mission is to preserve, present and promote jazz. Since 1987, MCG Jazz has promoted the artistry of this great American art form through its multiple Grammy-award winning record label and its world-renowned concert series. Now Alfred Music and MCG Jazz are proud to bring the MCG Jazz experience to a wider audience through this innovative series of performance and master class DVDs.

Songs: Almost Cried (Duke Ellington) * Any Dude'll Do (Bill Holman) * Basie (Ernie Wilkins) * Early Autumn (Ralph Burns, Woody Herman) * Israel (John Carisi) * El Camino Real (J. J. Johnson) * Roll 'Em (Mary Lou Williams) * Something For October (Benny Carter) * Soon (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin) * The Jazz Connoisseur (Ernie Wilkins, Harry James) * The Witching Hour (Quincy Jones) * Theme For Terry (Bob Freedman) * Ezzthetic (George Russell) * Father Knickerbopper (Norman "Tiny" Kahn) * Hoe-Down (Oliver Nelson) * Le Sacre Supreme (Billy Strayhorn) * Manteca (Dizzy Gillespie, Walter "Gil" Fuller, Chano Pozo).