Speaking from the perspective of a musician, this might be the best jazz DVD I've ever seen. The camera work is certainly more than satisfactory, and Duke's performances (especially in the solo/duo/trio session) are outstanding. I would go so far as to say that these performances deserve to be better known.
Duke was probably my first influence as a jazz pianist, and I still learn a lot of lessons whenever I hear or see him play. The music on this DVD is entertaining to watch, but it also bears repeated careful listening.
October 5, 2008 |  | THE INTIMATE DUKE ELLINGTON |  |
I WAS EXPECTING MORE OF THE BIG BAND. WHAT I SAW WAS GOOD, JUST WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SEEN MORE OF THE BIG BAND.
May 14, 2007 | | Dated and not really that entertaining of a show | |
Okay, simply the fact that it is Duke Ellington gets three stars. That having been said, nothing else about this video merits any kudos. The lighting was bad (even for the day), the transitions between the tunes were boring, and it was an overall lackluster production.
November 5, 2006 | | Ellington-Hodges-Strayhorn-Brown-Anderson-Gonsalves-ect | |
I have three Ellington dvd's and this is the only one in which I think that is a must have. The sound quality here is good, and to see Ellington's octet is quite an expierence. They perform ballads (mostly), and Johnny Hodges playing Billy Strayhorn's "Passion Flower" is memorable. Of other intrest is Paul Gonsalves playing "Happy Reiunon" , and Harry Carney playing "Sophisticated Lady". There is also a trio concert, where the sound is not as good, but Duke performs many rare songs, including "On The Fringe of a Jungle" (with a amazing drum solo by Rufus Jones) and a definitive piano trio version of Strayhorn's "Take the 'A' Train". a must
May 11, 2005This DVD is an amazing display of what Duke and a few of his best known sidemen can do. Absolutely fabulous video that features the specialties of some of the best jazz musicians in history! Buy it now, and be happy later!
July 31, 2004More reviews at Amazon.com ...
Daily Birthdays
(6 reviews)