Jazz Casual DVD Count Basie John Coltrane Dizzy Gillespie DVD (NR) +Movie Reviews

Must See

Arthur W. Bookout | Delaware | 10/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I happened upon this DVD and was very pleasantly surprised. I don't remember the original show but I thought that this was a rare opportunity to see and hear three past masters of jazz. Count Basie was engaging and interesting to listen to. His band was so tight they even grooved when he was just playing around. Dizzy performed the tunes that made him famous in his own unique style. Lots of African related rhythms proved interesting to watch and listen to. Coltrane refused to be interviewed so Ralph Gleason said that he would let the music do the talking for him. I thought that might put some people off but the music definitely spoke for everyone. This is an incredible performance. John Coltrane displays his genius but the special treat for me was hearing and seeing Elvin. Great Stuff and very educational. I bought a copy to show to my jazz students."

Jazz History in the Flesh

Bob Rousseau | Seattle, WA United States | 06/06/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I agree with much of what the other reviewers had to say, but give Gleason a break- if Trane didn't want to speak, he didn't want to speak (I'm sure Miles wouldn't have agreed to be interviewed if he had been on the show, either). But because of Gleason's show, we get to see the Coltrane quartet at one of its peaks-particularly the mezmorizing "Afro Blues"."

Starts slow, and builds intensity

J. Powers | Basehor, KS United States | 05/21/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It seems as though this disc polarizes the reviewers; either they love it or hate it. Though it has its flaws, I'd have to say it's very worthwhile. I agree with the ones who didn't like Ralph J. Gleason's style. Yes, he's irritating, but he takes up very little time on the Gillespie and Coltrane segments. See the "Jazz Scene USA" series with Oscar Brown, Jr. for a late 50s/early 60s era jazz program with a first rate host and better production values. At first viewing I thought the Basie segment was disappointing, but it's grown on me. Diz was the main reason I bought this disc, and he didn't disappoint. He was even a good sport for the interview. His segment cooks at a consistent simmer. Very nice, but Coltrane cuts Diz for the highlight of the program. He's at one of his peaks, with a killer band, and they just keep ratcheting the intensity up higher and higher until the end. I'm not sure about the guy who gave this one star... he talks as if the picture and sound are worse than they actually are (reasonable but not stellar for their era) and like Gleason was on between every song (he was for Basie's and The Count seemed annoyed). I'd like to see more of these 3-on-1 Jazz Casual compilations. A single disc of 30 minutes with no bonus material is a waste."

Worth it if you're listening.

John Sanders | Seattle, WA USA | 07/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a working jazz pianist in the Seattle area and always looking to get closer to Basie's perspective. If you've got ears and want to see these guys in action, get this disk. Granted, there are some short interviews, but it's a small price to pay to see a slice of the minimal good footage available from these long gone times in jazz history. A player's textbook in black and white!"

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