WASHINGTON, DC - In the wake of KEN BURN's "JAZZ" epic, many companies are scrambling to capture America's fascination with jazz and swing music.

Black Entertainment Television's [BET] JAZZ CHANNEL is teaming up with Madacy Entertainment, one of the first companies to release vintage movies on DVD, to produce an 11-disc jazz collection.

Due out May 15, the BET on Jazz: For Many Moods compact disc collection will offer a comprehensive look at the very best jazz ever recorded with a compilation of artists and music evoking common themes.

The selection of music caters to the many moods and lifestyles of mainstream consumers with such themed titles as "After Hours," "Sunday Mornings," and "Hot Summer Nights." "Latin Nights" features smooth Caribbean beats with such artists as the late Tito Puente and Danilo Perez.

On "Seduction," there are the sultry rhythms of artists like Sonny Rollins, Roy Hargrove and Gil Evans. Big Joe Turner, Joe Williams and Carmen McRae go straight to the heart with the "Blues" CD.

"Because we already showcase the best selection of jazz programming through our unique cable channel, it was natural for us to make a CD
collection available that appeals to our audience," said Paxton Baker, senior vice president and general manager of BET on Jazz: The Jazz Channel.

"Partnering with Madacy, a leader in music distribution, ensures that we have the right combination of factors to make this project a huge success."

To drive awareness of the series, BET on Jazz will create and present a "Jazz Music for Many Moods" special, to be filmed at the famed "Jazz Alley" in Washington, D.C. and televised on the network later this summer. The collection will be available at all music outlets, including online e-tailers, and at BET On Jazz sponsored festivals occurring throughout the summer.