Artist: Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Antonio Carlos Jobim
    Album: Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music + Ella + Jobim
    Label: Warner Records
    Year: 1967
    Release: 1999
    Time: 50 mins
    Format: Online-Video

Repost to the Birthday Frank Sinatra's

    With the exception of the first duet with Frank and Ella, which attempts to address the then-current pop culture (weak renditions of movie themes and chart busters) this video is a monster, one for the archives.
    Frank comes out roaring on an updated arrangement of Day In, Day Out at a break-neck tempo, sings the bejesus out of it and working the stage like the zenith of an entertainer he was.
    On Old Man River, right before the last verse, he holds a low G, then without taking a breath, slurs right into the verse. Perhaps even more impressive than this display of technical virtuosity is how he stays "in character" after the song ends. The audience is applauding like mad, and instead of acknowledging it, he still assumes the character in the song, a slave who is at his pain threshold. This is what seperated Sinatra from the other singers. He didn't need a six octave range to deliver. He simply studied the lyrics, digested what the writer wanted to say, and put himself in the first person. . . .

    Artist: Quincy Jones
    Album: Live in Belgium '60
              Live in Switzerland '60
    Label: Reelin' In The Years Productions & Naxos
    Year: 1960
    Release: 2006
    Time: 80 Minutes
    Format: Online-Video
    AMG Raiting:

    The ageless lines that commence Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities would definitely apply to the situation that the Quincy Jones Orchestra found themselves in circa the two performances preserved on Live in '60 (2006). The artist was part of a 20-piece ensemble that was on the road with its landmark musical Free and Easy in France. -- that is, until the sojourn was cut short due to the residuals of French military involvement during the Algerian War of Independence. Rather than abandon his compatriots, Jones found a way to finance what ended up being a ten-month tour. It was circa the early part of their outing that the Belgian Jazz Pour Tous and Swiss Quincy Jones Live in Switzerland were filmed. The roughly 25-minute/seven-song set for the former is purported to be one of the first gigs they did after ditching Free and Easy. In fact, as Ira Gitler points out in his accompanying liner essay, the players -- who had been costumed in the production -- had not even gotten a complete stage wardrobe and were limited to nothing more than matching sweaters. That minor visual incongruity certainly has no bearing on the undeniably powerful music that the extended aggregate created. Several selections are repeated at the opening and closing of each respective show. Both kick off with Jones' freewheeling mélange of bebop and big band, aptly monikered "Birth of a Band." . . .

    Artist: Dave Brubeck
    Album: Live in Belgium '64
                  Live in Germany '66
    Label: Reelin' In The Years Productions & TDK
    Years: 1964, 1966
    Release: 2007
    Time: 67 Minutes
    Format: Online-Video
    AMG Rating:

    The second series of Jazz Icons DVDs issued in 2007 included seven volumes of jazz greats videotaped for various European television networks. This edition captures the classic edition of the Dave Brubeck Quartet in concert from two separate tours of Europe. The 1964 performance from Belguim (from a studio taping) opens with an extended treatment of "St. Louis Blues" (long a favorite opener for the pianist) that showcases each member of the group as a soloist. Brubeck's sublime "Koto Song" has never sounded lovelier, as does his timeless ballad "In Your Own Sweet Way." "Take Five" displays Paul Desmond's witty lyricism, while Brubeck adds a degree of tension before turning the spotlight over to the phenomenal drummer Joe Morello.
    The 1966 Berlin concert takes off with a rousing "Take the 'A' Train," followed by a spirited take of Brubeck's moving "Forty Days," written for his oratorio The Light in the Wilderness. The pianist's rollicking "I'm in a Dancing Mood" is an overlooked gem from the mid-'50s, offering the enthusiastic audience a light-hearted but swinging piece. A second version of "Koto Song" is played at a brisker clip, with the inevitable "Take Five" as the finale. Both the black-and-white video and the audio are excellent. The detailed annotation by Darius Brubeck (the leader's son, who is also a jazz pianist), rare period photographs, and creative packaging add to the value of this essential DVD, though it is better to buy the full boxed set, as it contains an additional bonus track by the Brubeck Quartet that is not included on this disc.
    ~ Ken Dryden, AMG

    Artist: Dexter Gordon
    Album: Live in Holland '64
                 Live in Switzerland '63
                 Live in Belguim '64
    Label: Reelin' In The Years Productions & TDK & Naxos
    Years: 1963-65
    Release: 2007
    Format: Online-video
    Time: 70 mins
    AMG Rating:

    One easily understand why Dexter Gordon loved living in Europe during the 1960s and '70s. He had regular opportunities to play and record, lots of devoted fans, and no one was concerned about his race. This Jazz Icons DVD showcases the tall tenor saxophonist at the peak of his powers, recorded in three separate live performances in 1963 and 1964, during which he unleashes an intense version of "A Night in Tunisia" that takes it far from normal avenues. Gordon's majestic treatment of "You've Changed" should be required listening for saxophone students, with thoughtful embellishments that never lose sight of the melody. Gordon's percolating interpretation of "Ladybird" and majestic "Body and Soul" also merit strong praise. The two rhythm sections supporting Gordon do an excellent job as well. Like other Jazz Icons DVDs, this edition has detailed liner notes (in this volume, the saxophonist's widow Maxine Gordon contributed them), vintage photographs, and a thorough discography. Warmly recommended.
    ~ Ken Dryden, AMG

    Artist: Ella Fitzgerald
    Album: Live in Belgium '57
                 Live in Sweden '63
    Label: Reelin' In The Years Productions & TDK
    Years: 1957, 1963
    Release: 2006
    Time: 56 minutes
    Format: Online-video
    AMG Rating:


    Rather than a feeble, wordy attempt to relate the treasures found within, it is tempting to simply state that this 56-minute DVD -- which contains a pair of complete appearances from the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald -- is available. That in and of itself should serve as fair warning for any and all parties. However, there is considerably more to the story. For starters, as of this writing in 2008, the half-hour-plus contents from a June 6, 1957, date in Brussels, Belgium, is the earliest complete concert footage of Fitzgerald known to exist. Originally airing on the Belgian RTBF television network, Jazz Pour Tous -- which translates as Jazz for All -- offers the vocalist accompanied by an impressive combo with Don Abney (piano), Fitzgerald's ex-husband and still bandleader Ray Brown (bass), Jo Jones (drums), and Herb Ellis (guitar), as well as special guests Roy Eldridge (trumpet) and Oscar Peterson (piano). Fitzgerald and company get underway with one of her frequent openers, the lovely balladry of "Angel Eyes." She glides into her almost second-nature improvisations as she simultaneously unfurls her honey-soaked and expressive vocals. The audience is held spellbound, hanging upon her every intonation. They erupt upon the recognition of "Lullaby of Birdland" with a mixture of sheer excitement and sincere heartfelt enthusiasm. Fitzgerald rises to the occasion, unleashing a steady flow of freewheelin' scat-sung phrases on the spot with such perfect timing and emphasis that it is almost as if the notes had been written that way. . . .

    Artist: Joe Pass
    Album: Norman Granz’ Jazz In Montreux: Presents Joe Pass ‘75
    Label: Eagle Eye Media
    Year: 1975
    Release: 2006
    Time: 79 minutes
    Format: Online-video

    With guitar in hand and nowhere to hide, the late great Joe Pass simply dazzled the Montreux audiences during these exclusive performances culled from the 1975 concerts. Famed jazz critic Nat Hentoff launches the proceedings with a prologue, citing quotes from other luminaries who provide testimonials to the guitarist’s historical prominence. Possessing remarkable technique and depth, Pass extended concepts put forth by many of the preceding jazz guitar greats. Armed with a hollow-body electric the artist displays his all-encompassing musical persona by effortlessly whirling through jazz standards, regardless of tempo and nuance.
    Here, the cameramen often zoom in on Pass’ fret board amid his wincing facial gestures. Despite some annoying glitches with the concert PA system, the artist relays his complex chord voicings interspersed with swinging, single note based improvisation and much more! Suited with a sport jacket and tie, Pass looms as a dignified artiste who rendered an amalgamation of softly executed; finger-style picking maneuvers. In addition, he fuses walking chord progressions and bluesy riffs into lyrically charged spins on ”Montreux Changes,” and ”Blues For Nina.” And with his luminous employment of dynamics and tonal shadings, the guitarist also blazes through toe-tapping bop/swing vibes with intricately designed phrasings, all tinged with a melodic edge. In sum, students and pros alike would be well-served to check out this newly issued gem by the guitarist who had few peers in the biz.
    ~ Glenn Astarita, www.ejazznews.com

    Artist: Count Basie
    Album: Live in Sweden '62
    Label: Reelin' In The Years Productions & TDK
    Year: 1962
    Release: 2006
    Format: Online-video
    Time: 56 mins
    AMG Rating:



    Imagine my delight when this DVD of what I consider to be the greatest ever Big Band arrived for review. The problem for those of us who liked this band so much, is that in the era in which it played, there was no such thing as video recording. If you wanted to hear the Basie Band, your choice was buy a disc or go to live concerts, I did both many times! This DVD was only made possible because it came from a TV show made in Sweden in 1962 and fortunately had not been disposed of.
    This is the band five years on from the Atomic Mr Basie album, which usually comes out top of any poll for ‘The Greatest Big Band Album of All Times’. Most of the stars of that album are still in place and the band gives a spectacular performance in the way only the Count and his men could do it.
    The programme starts with ‘Easin’ It, a piece written and arranged by Frank Foster. . . .

    Artist: Various Artists
    Album: Louis Armstrong And Friends
    Label: Storyville
    Release: 2004
    Format: Online-video



    The release Louis Armstrong and Friends compiles rare kinescope footage of the legendary titular bluesman performing, culled from various early television broadcasts. The included performance footage finds Armstrong playing alongside such contemporaries as Dizzy Gillespie (in what was reportedly the duo's only filmed performance together) and Jack Teagarden.
    ~ Nathan Southern, AMG

    Artist: Dizzy Gillespie
    Album: Live in Belgium '58
                 Live in Denmark '70
    Label: Reelin' In The Years Productions & TDK
    Years: 1958, 1970
    Release: 2006
    Format: Online-video
    Time: 86 min
    AMG Rating:


    Part of the first series of the impressive Jazz Icons DVD collection, this volume features two separate performances by Dizzy Gillespie. The first five songs, from 1958, find him accompanied by tenor saxophonist Sonny Stitt, pianist Lou Levy, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Gus Johnson. Gillespie and Stitt share the vocals for a portion of ”On The Sunny Side Of The Street”, while Stitt is featured on alto sax for "Lover Man," as Gillespie is off-stage. Then it is the leader's turn for "Cocktails for Two," played at a relaxed tempo, but with a few fireworks added. In the 1970 broadcast from the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Gillespie fronts the Francy Boland-Kenny Clarke Big Band. While there are a lot of familiar songs, newer works like "The Brother K" (a moving tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who had been murdered two years earlier) and the sassy blues "Let Me Outta Here" represent more recent compositions. Obvious highlights also include the Afro-Cuban compositions "Con Alma" and "Manteca." The band is literally filled with bandleaders, including expatriates like Art Farmer, Kenny Clarke, Idrees Sulieman, and Sahib Shihab, in addition to some of Europe's top jazz musicians. The camera work, video, and audio on both black-and-white programs is excellent throughout the DVD.
    ~ Ken Dryden, AMG

    Artist: Thelonious Monk
    Album: Live in Norway '66
                 Live in Denmark '66
    Label: Reelin' In The Years Productions & TDK
    Year: 1966
    Release: 2006
    Format: Online-video
    Time: 62 min
    AMG Rating:



    . . .The package itself gives us two Scandinavian concerts, lasting half an hour each, recorded within days of each other during a European tour in 1966. In addition to Monk and his long-standing tenor player Charlie Rouse the quartet comprised bassist Larry Gales and drummer Ben Riley.

    The first concert took place in Norway in what looks like the atrium of an Art Museum. There was no audience. The sound has been brilliantly restored. It sounds crisp, immediate and impressive. The visuals however are rather grainy and have suffered degradation. Those tell-tale lines that streak horizontally down the picture give a rather antique air to proceedings though in truth it’s no worse than many films of the period. One does however get a shock when the audio and visual images are so different, the ear anticipating a similarly muffly sound perspective.

    The second concert has similarly good sound and thankfully far better picture quality with the proviso that – both concerts were filmed in black and white – the image can get a bit dark now and then. Clarity however remains untroubled; sweat and ruffled cuffs are pleasingly visible. . . .
    ~ Jonathan Woolf, www.musicweb-international.com

    Artist: Sarah Vaughan
    Album: Live in Sweden '58
              Live in Holland '58
              Live in Sweden '64
    Label: Reelin' In The Years Productions & Naxos
    Years: 1958, 1964
    Release: 2007
    Format: Online-video
    Sound: Mono
    AMG Rating:

    Sarah Vaughan is heard in three separate television programs in this excellent Jazz Icons DVD. The first program, taped in Sweden in 1958, is a studio recording with no audience, though she speaks to the television viewers. She doesn't seem completely relaxed in this setting, though there's nothing wrong with her rich vocals. Among the highlights are "Tenderly" (which became a perennial request), "September in the Rain" (which didn't last long, she recorded it just once) and an upbeat, swinging "Mean to Me." The same band supports her for a Holland program videotaped a month earlier, though she is beautifully dressed in a sparkling gown with a much more appealing set as a backdrop, and Vaughan is performing for a live audience, all of which make a big difference in her performances. Her moving rendition of "Over the Rainbow" is breathtaking; she perfectly captures the innocence in the lyrics to "Lover Man," and she soars in the up-tempo arrangement of "Cherokee" as well. The third program comes from a 1964 concert for Swedish television. A new group is on hand with pianist Kirk Stuart, bassist Buster Williams (near the very beginning of his career), and drummer George Hughes. Vaughan's persona had changed over the years, as evidenced by a deeper voice and an obvious ease in performing for an audience. She is amazing in her interpretation of "I Feel Pretty," and she swings in "I Got Rhythm" and "Honeysuckle Rose." The full power of her voice is apparent in her dazzling take of "Misty" and also the stunning "Maria." Patricia Willard's detailed liner notes and the outstanding packaging, including numerous photos, make this release the most essential DVD for Sarah Vaughan fans to purchase.
    ~ Ken Dryden, AMG

    Artist: Dizzy Gillespie
    Album: Norman Granz Jazz in Montreux: Presents Dizzy Gillespie Sextet '77
    Label: Eagle Vision USA
    Year: 1977
    Release:2005
    Time: 46:07
    Format: Online-video
    AMG Rating:


    Dizzy Gillespie leads a powerful all-star sextet including Jon Faddis (also playing a similar upswept trumpet), vibraphonist Milt Jackson, bassist Ray Brown, pianist Monty Alexander, and drummer Jimmie Smith in this appearance at the 1977 Montreux Jazz Festival, most of which was issued on the Pablo album Montreux '77. While there are fireworks on-stage, especially in the rousing take of the old chestnut "Get Happy," the expected chemistry between Gillespie and Faddis (who was inspired by the senior trumpeter and built upon his style) never comes to fruition, as they don't get into any tradeoffs. One highlight is a ballad medley, showcasing Gillespie in "Once in a While," Jackson in a driving "But Beautiful," and Faddis in a blistering rendition of "Here's That Rainy Day." The one previously unissued song is "Here 'Tis." Beautifully photographed and edited, with generally good audio (though Jackson's vibes are recorded a tad too hot in places), this DVD will be of interest to fans of the late Dizzy Gillespie.
    ~ Ken Dryden, AMG

    Artist: Duke Ellington
    Album: Live in '58
    Label: Reelin' In The Years Productions & Naxos
    Year: 1958
    Release: 2007
    Format: Online-video
    Sound: mono
    Time: 80 min




    Duke Ellington features the earliest-known filmed full-length concert by one of the 20th Century's greatest songwriters and bandleaders. Filmed at Amsterdam's famed Concertgebouw, this 80-minute concert features the 16-piece Duke Ellington Orchestra two years after their stunning performance at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival,which Duke considered his second birth. This epic performance includes legendary players Clark Terry, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney, Paul Gonsalves, Quentin Jackson and Ray Nance performing some of the most beloved American music ever written.

    ~ www.JazzIcons.com

   Artists: Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Joe Henderson, Lenny White
   Album: A Very Special Concert
   Label: Image Entertainment
   Year: 1982
   Release: 1990
   Format: Online-video, DVD-5
   Time: 57 Minutes
   DVD-Size: 4,29 Gb



   This concert features Chick Corea playing with members of the "Return to Forever" band, which includes the legendary players Stanley Clarke on bass, the much celebrated Lenny White on drums plus the multi-GRAMMY© winner Joe Henderson on tenor sax. Songs include "L's Bop," "Why Wait," "500 Miles High," "Guernica." Chick Corea's four-decade career is the stuff of jazz legend, a blend of influential, limit-breaking musical experiences which have filled pages of 20th century music history encyclopedias. Jazz has never been the same since the birth of the samba-flavored ensemble of Return to Forever.
   ~ AMG

   Artists: Miles Davis, John Scofield
   Album: Live in Montreal 1985
   Label: Geneon Entertainment
   Stile: Fusion
   Year: 1985
   Release: September 5, 2000
   Format: Online-video
   Time: 59 Minutes
   DVD-Size: 3,82Gb (27x150mb + 72mb, 5% recovery)
   Options on DVD: Dolby Digital 5.1 & 24 bit stereo PCM

REPOST with new links Rapidshare.com & Files.Mail.ru

   Jazz legend Miles Davis is captured performing in Montreal on this video. The man performs a half dozen songs including "One Phone Call", "Human Nature", "Something's on Your Mind", "Time After Time", "Code M.D.", and "Jean Pierre". The DVD release of the concert includes a biographical timeline of the artist's life.
   ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

   Artists: Sonny Rollins, Kenny Drew, Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen,
               Alan Dawson, Albert "Tootie" Heath
   Album: Live in Denmark '65 & '68
   Label: Reelin' In The Years Productions & Naxos
   Year: 1965, 1968
   Release: September 30, 2008
   Style: Post Bop
   Format: Online-video
   Time: 87 Mins



   This release contains eight songs performed by the legendary Sonny Rollins with the assistance of some stellar sidemen. Culled from two different live appearances, the setlist includes "There Will Never Be Another You," "Darn That Dream," "On Green Dolphin Street," and "Four."
   ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

     Artists: Wayne Shorter, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, Michael Petrucciani,
                    Gil Goldstein, Pete Levin, Rachelle Ferrell
     Album: The Manhattan Project
     Label: Blue Note Records
     Year: July 1, 1990
     Release: February 1, 2005
     Genre: Fusion
     Format: LD-rip, Online-video
     Time: 58 Minutes
     Size: 1,97Gb
     Reviews

     Предлагаю Вашему вниманию весьма интересный концерт The Manhattan Project. Сегодня для Вас играют Wayne Shorter, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White и Michael Petrucciani. Смортите, наслаждайтесь, делитесь впечатлениями и оставляйте, по возможности, свои рецензии. Приятного просмотра!

    Artist: Jimmy Smith
    Album: Live at the Florida Keys 1999
    Label: FS World Jazz
    Recording Date: October 23, 1999
    DVD Release Date: 2005
    Format: Online-video
    Time: 42 mins
    DVD-Size: 2,77 Gb

    Перенеситесь сегодня во Флориду: осенний вечер, берег у Атлантического окена... Но все нипочем, потому что Вы на концерте Джимми Смита!
   Джимми Смит исполняет вечно зеленые стандарты Бобби Тиммонса (Bobby Timmons), Сонни Роллинза (Sonny Rollins), Эллингтона (Duke Ellington), Ричарда Роджерса (Richard Rodgers) и Лоренца Харта (Lorenz Hart)! И, конечно же, свои собственные вещи: Funk In The Keys, Blues For Lynn, Eight Counts For Rita! Его окружаут молодые музыканты Claudio Spiewak, Abner Torres, Nestor Torres и Edwin Bonilla. Расслабьтесь и наслаждайтесь великолепными соло Джимми Смита. Концерт сыгран именно в этом ключе - Funk in The Keys!
    Jimmy Smith ruled the Hammond organ from the '50s to his decease in 2005. He revolutionized the instrument, showing it could be creatively used in a jazz context and popularized in the process. This DVD shows a rare late performance of this genius.

   Artist: Weather Report
   Album: Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 1976
   Label: Eagle Rock Entainmant
   Theatrical Release Date: December 11, 2006
   DVD Release Date: April 17, 2007
   Genre: fusion
   Format: Online-video
   Time: 84 mins
   Size: 4,35Gb
   Options on DVD: Dolby Surroud 5.1 & DTS
   Amazon review

   Концерт 1976 года - период наивысшего творческого подъема группы Weather Report - музыкальной концепции великого Майлса Дэвиса (Miles Davis).
   Во время концерта перед Вами предстанут во всей своей красе: молодой гений Жако Пасториуса (Jaco Pastorius), неповторимый Джо Завинул (Joe Zawinul), чье фортепианное искусство вы сможете оценить сквозь призму фантастических синтезаторных звуков, напористый и очаровывающий своей изобретательностью звук Уэйна Шортера (Wayne Shorter), - без преувелечений Гиганта Джаза, чье музыкальное наследие служит иллюстрацией развития джаза, своего рода "зеркало" эволюции джаза, Маноло Бадрена (Manolo Badrena) - создает как раз необходимый для Weather Report колорит, экзотичность. Алекс Акуна (Alex Acuna) - блестящий ударник и перкуссионист, учавствовавший в записи знаменитых альбомов Weather Report - Black Market (1976) и Weather Report – Heavy Weather (1977)
   Приятного просмотра!

   Artist: Wes Montgomery
   Album: Live in Holland 1965,
                Live in Belgium 1965,
                Live in England 1965
   Label: Reelin' In The Years Productions & Naxos
   Year: 1965
   Release: 2007
   Format: Online-video
   Time: 78 minutes

   Watching these video treasures of the magnificent Mr. Montgomery leaves me with a profound sense of awe and appreciation for this twentieth-century genius. There is something magical and transforming about seeing and hearing this kind of excellence done with such apparent ease and enjoyment.

   It’s all here: the beauty, the elegance, the daring, and the sheer guitar mastery of this man who, seemingly, possessed an unbounded imagination and the ability to transform thought into music that remains unequalled today, nearly forty years after his passing.