Customer Reviews

ALBERTA HUNTER: My Castle's Rockin'

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
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This award-winning performance documentary, which includes a full-length concert from The Cookery in Greenwich Village, tells the story of a legendary singer/songwriter who retired at 62 and made a comeback at 82. The Los Angeles Times called it "an exhilarating, moving portrait of an extraordinary woman."

#1331 (60 min, Hi-Fi Stereo)

Since I wrote script Billy Taylor reads in this documentary (which, by the way, is a documentary and not, as stated above, a concert film) I am delighted to see that it won awards! Odd that I had to find that out here, isn't it? Anyway, Alberta was a wonderful person who led a fascinating life and had a long career. One hour was really not enough to say all there was to say, but I hope the documentary is a good summation. It is sad that Alberta did not live to see the end result. She passed away as we were producing it.

There's actually 4 records: 1977's Remember My Name, a soundtrack she wrote the songs for apparently and sang when she was 82, her first release since her last record, I guess, at age 62. Her second album is Amtrak Blues from 1978 age 83, then The Glory of Alberta Hunter 1981 age 86 and, finally, Look for the Silver Lining from 1982 at age 87. There is also a CD called Downhearted Blues Live at the Cookery. She also has another live release Jazz live at the Smithsonian. Yow.

Her voice is so wonderful at this later age. Similar, to me, with Johnny Cash where I prefer his voice in his last decade much more than his first 2 or 3 decades. Same with Alberta Hunter. I don't really care for her work from the 20's through 40's. But this stuff is stunning. She has so much gusto and presence and to have the chance to see her live show here is a real treat. chrisbct@hotmail.com

Alberta Hunter is a Great Talent.She is in Command Here.You Feel The Pressence of Her Voice&The Feelings She Puts into it Have So Much Depth.

This magnificent documentary includes several electrifying live performances from Alberta Hunter's glorious comeback years, hints and clips from her past performances, very nice interviews (among others, Alberta herself, John Hammond...), clear and concise picture of Hunter's extremely interesting and rich life, plus 4 audio bonus tracks - one on the main menu, 3 in the 3 pages of her biography...

When I listen to Hunter I sometimes try to step back and analyze just how much of enjoyment comes from the sounds she produces and how much I'm smitten by her vitality and sheer joy of living (as one of the songs says, "I'm having a good time, please don't blame me...")...
The verdict is probably that she is still and impressive singer even in her last years but even if I'm just a starry-eyed fan, so be it. I enjoy the album "Amtrak Blues" (produced by Hammond) and I enjoy this documentary which includes live performances of quite a few songs from that album, with Gerald Cook, as on "Amtrak blues" album very convincing in her accompaniment...
The documentary is directed by Stuart Goldman and written by Chris Albertson.
If this recession doesn't hit me too hard (it's just started to be felt fully in my country) I might add some more of Hunter's CDs and DVDs to my collection of jazz (and blues)....

Alberta Hunter in her older years is a joy! This DVD shows her having fun with the audience and her smiling face and twinkling eyes are magic! She is just adorable!
Also, her backup group is wonderful and join in the fun! Her choice of songs and the way she sings them are really good!
Yes! I just love this DVD!

I was priviledged to see Alberta Hunter in person at the Cookery, so getting a video of one of her performances is extra special to me! I'd never heard of her before then, nor did I learn her life's story until I saw this video. She had an amazing voice and lot's of spunk for her age. If you enjoy jazzy blues, you will enjoy this video.