Various Artists - Masters Of Jazz - An Award-Winning Series (2004) {5xDVD5 PAL Box Set DV1374704101}

Masters Of American Music The Story Of Jazz may be the most concise informative documentary on jazz to date. Five discs consisting of six and a half hours of material is presented in concise, informative segments. Comparisons to Ken Burns Jazz are inevitable, but unnecessary. This documentary combines extremely rare footage of performances and interviews to analyze the evolution of jazz and highlight four of its icons. Originally a television 'mini-series', the release of this limited edition digitally re-mastered set is good news for the world of jazz.

PORTRAITS OF

DVD LOUIS ARMSTRONG .. Satchmo: The Life Of Louis Armstrong

This is a comprehensive documentary of one of the 20th century's most influential jazz performers, the legendary Louis Armstrong. This 86-minute documentary pieces together the life of Satchmo using never-before-seen homemade films, clips from stage shows, and excerpts from some of his movies like Hello, Dolly, Atlantic City, and High Society. And, of course, there are many of Armstrong's songs featured, including "West End Blues," "Potato Head Blues," "Weather Bird," "On the Sunny Side of the Street," "When You're Smiling," "Mack the Knife," and many more. This colorful documentary also includes commentaries from many of Armstrong's contemporaries and musicians influenced by his music, including Dexter Gordon, Tony Bennett, and Wynton Marsalis.
- 86 minutes




DVD THE STORY OF JAZZ .. The Complete History

This video documents the evolution of jazz. It began in 19th century New Orleans, where the slaves first introduced the rhythms of African music. Story of Jazz follows the developement of jazz music from the blending together of African rhythms, European and American folk, and classical styles. Included are performances by: Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Willie "the Lion" Smith, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmie Lunceford, Louis Armstrong, Charles Mingus, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Gil Evans, and Sarah Vaughan. Rare film clips, vintage footage, and photo's complete this indepth look at Jazz.
- 97 minutes




DVD JOHN COLTRANE .. A Love Supreme: The World According To John Coltrane

Saxophonist, composer, and bandleader John Coltrane has been almost as popular in death as he was during his lifetime. The prolific jazzman passed away at 40, but left a legacy of influential musical work. A Love Supreme is one of the few documentaries to feature the background of this famous player. Directed by Robert Palmer, the hour-long release delves into Coltrane's beginnings starting with his childhood in North Carolina. It also showcases some live performances including the songs "My Favorite Things," "So What," and "Naima." Narration is provided by close friends and peers like Roscoe Mitchell and La Monte Young. Having recorded with masters Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Ornette Coleman, Coltrane held his own and even surpassed the popularity of many of his contemporaries.
- 59 minutes




DVD BILLIE HOLIDAY .. Lady Day: The Many Faces Of Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday is recognized as one of the greatest blues and jazz vocalists of all time. This program tells her story. Holiday's song, "Strange Fruit," a reference to the lynching of black Americans in the South, was voted the most important piece of music of the 20th century. The singer experienced firsthand the indignities of racism in her native land. She found solace in the alcohol and drugs which eventually killed her. Her music continues to thrill audiences. Many of her signature tunes are included in this documentary, such as "St. Louis Blues," "My Man," and "God Bless the Child." Archival film clips show Billie Holiday in performances in film, television, and concert appearances. Interviews with musical colleagues and friends give insight into the troubled life of this giant of American music.
- 59 minutes




DVD CHARLIE PARKER .. Celebrating Bird: The Triumph Of Charlie Parker

One year before the Clint Eastwood-directed Bird, Gary Giddins likewise covered the life and work of jazz great Charlie "Bird" Parker in this absorbing documentary. Rare filmclips of Parker in action on the alto and tenor sax are intertwined with the live reminiscences of his contemporaries. Among those interviewed are Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and Charles Mingus. As a bonus, we see them in performance as well (and there are many, many bonuses in this film). As the title indicates, this is a celebration of Bird's life, though one cannot help but come away from the film grieving over Parker's premature death at age 34 in 1955.
- 58 minutes