Customer Reviews

Chick Corea: Rendezvous in New York

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I agree with the other reviewers. This is an amazing collection of outstanding acoustic jazz performances. The video is high-def, and the sound is audiophile quality.

At $90, this is a major investment. To be safe, you might consider first buying the 2-CD sampler, which contains 1 or 2 tracks from each of the 8 or 9 bands that participated in this event. Amazon.com sells this 2-CD sampler.

Before ordering either item, though, visit Chick's website (chickcorea.com), which has copies of both autographed by Chick himself, for about the same price as Amazon.

In any case, this set is an incredible value - $90 for 10 DVDs, 9 of which are a full concert by a top acoustic jazz combo, each featuring one of the best 2 or 3 jazz pianists of all time.

For anyone who knows Chick Corea's Three Quartet's album, they should be clamouring to get a copy of this DVD into their hands. This treasure shows the Chick 60th birthday celebration concert with Chick, Michael, Steve and Eddie playing the original album live. From the liner notes we are informed that this is the first time that this has been played live in 25 years.

With the tragic passing of Michael Brecker, this is now an historic occasion - the only recent recording of these contemporary giants playing this work together - and oh, how magnificently they play together.

I am so grateful that a decision was made to break up the 10 DVD boxed set as quite honestly I was not interested in all of Chick's concerts - certainly not for $90 (superb value none the less). Which brings us to this special concert recorded in High-definition, DTS sound at NY's Blue Note club. There is but one criticism - it finishes in 54 minutes and you sit there looking at the screen with a deep longing for more. Yet, as a work of art it is a perfect concert that leaves you hungry for more rather than enduring musicians meandering on for another 40 minutes filling up space. I think what we all know is that these masters could have meandered on for another two hours and we would still have been in raptures.

The material for this concert is a straight rendition of Chick's "Three Quartets" CD (reviewed in Amazon 10 times - all 5 stars), but with all new solo improvisation. From Michael's opening solo in Quartet no.1, you hear the entire gamut of stylings that are instantly recognisable - embellishments and harmonics, cascading waterfalls of notes that thunder to a whisper. Riveting, moving stuff!

As Chick states up front, this setup is like a classical chamber quartet playing a work from beginning to end - except this is pure jazz with all the interplay and adjustments to each others offerings. You can see Michael smiling as he navigates the complex score - these musicians were challenged - but they thrive in this. There is a playfulness that only comes with mastery. There is a respect of these men for each other as you see them watching each other solo and applauding with nods and glances.

As you watch this concert for the umpteenth time, you hope and expect that nuances will emerge that you did not see previously, and one is not disappointed. The detailed camera work and preparation ensures that you see Chick's hands clearly at times when he places a deft run, or when Steve swops from brushes to sticks. You notice the reflection of the music score in the glasses of Eddie during his solo that makes Chick smile. The production values are certainly the highest I have in my 30 plus DVD concert collection - sound and visuals are all exemplary.

This is a jazz concert that you will always treasure - watching it is both exciting and emotional. I couldn't give a higher recommendation.

This DVD just arrived today 10/6/2005. I had to watch a good many of the DVDS. It's a true classic Jazz mish mash of Chick's Piano adventures. You won't find any Fusion here really, it's all beautiful soulful Jazz. I have to say at first I was a bit disappointed by the fact that his fusion work had been ommited, from this collection no Return to Forever or some of the more progressive Fusion I have known him for. No keyboard other than sweet piano. After listening and watching a few of these DVD's it all became quite clear to me, the mood of dusky, dim lit bar aura that embraces old style Jazz with class. I came to embrace the pure feeling of clean music with no tricks, I knew what it was all about suddenly. This is a purest collecton of Jazz untainted by the throws of Rock and Roll. Go down down that road with Chick and his friends, its sofisticated clean lines wash over your soul. If you love Jazz, you will love this 10 DVD set, it covers every ERA of chick's long and storied career in JAZZ. Don't get me wrong it does not cover his whole career, but the Jazz portion of it fully. The quality of this DVD is top notch, audio is digital streamed, video is filmed in full HD.
You won't find a finer all around collection of pure Jazz classics done by a better group of musician's.

This is the best concert DVD that has been produced to this time. Chick is at the top of his game, the musicians are the state of the art in jazz and the production values are first rate. I know this because I have seen all of the perfomances on the BET jazz channel. This is truly a gift.

Chick Corea never panders to the tastes of those who merely want more of the same, his is mainstream jazz with a twist and music that ventures into the unknown without ever getting the listeners lost. You can feel the sense of purpose as every one of the musicians called upon is treated with great respect, allowed enough space to make a full statement, and as Chick adds a few punctuating elements or sits in listening intently, you can enjoy the sheer diversity of his musical universe. His own improvisations can be terse, playful, meditative, but always rhythmically stimulating and melodically surprising, while constantly expanding the harmonic grid, much to everyone's enjoyment. At 60, he never sounds nostalgic. Rather, he is a guide who will invite you to discover how rich his inner world may be, without resorting to easy tricks, like getting the audience to stomp their feet or sing along, and I suspect his ultimate goal is to take you on a roller-coaster ride just to teach you not to take his music for granted. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

I mostly agree with the previously mentioned details - but now that the price has dropped, I had to comment. Ten dvds of live jazz featuring Chick and various groups - recorded live, with good sound and close to HD widescreen video is a great change! (especially for those who, like me, usually watch old B&W Miles and Trane videos...) all for $40 - Four bucks per dvd? You've got to be kidding - this is a must-have! Even if you (like me) aren't excited about every single concert, and, well, Roy Haynes is a bit low in the mix for my taste, grab this deal while you can. Got to be 5 stars.

This is by far the best video compilation of Chick Corea performing with his various groups. The music is inspirational and all of the musicians are world class and deliver excellent performances. A must for any Chick Corea fan.

Got my copy in HMV Japan last August and although I paid quite a fortune for the DVDs, every penny is worth it. There is nothing but pure good music from the maestro Chick Corea and friends. A well worth investment if I musy say., after all this event is only once in a lifetime and thank you Chick for sharing your beautiful music with us.

a master class in drumming.
all hail the quarter note.
superb brush playing and plenty of toms
can you tell yet that i am a drummer?
buy this dvd

The packaging is horrible. One of the DVD holders was smashed and had caused damage to one of the best DVD's. Unacceptable.
The performances are great if you are a Chick fan. If you are just a casual listener don't buy this. You'll probably get bored.