Customer Reviews

Jam Miami - A Celebration of Latin Jazz

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is not a cheap imitation. As many of you will know, Latin Jazz comes from New York (mostly) in the early to mid part of the 20th Century. It does not derive from Salsa. It also is not the same as Cuban music, so shouldn't be compared with the Buena Vista Social Club.

This DVD is quite excellent musically. The graphics and production are not the best. It's very annoying that the CD by the same name has one track the DVD does not have. Shame on Concord picante!

The use of seashells by Steve Turre is not a novlety. He plays them musically and superbly. If you've never seen him live, you ought to. He's incredible!!

Too bad the producers didn't get the full performance on DVD. Still, I wouldn't miss the chance to see Dave Valentin, Dave Samuels, Chick Corea, Arturo Sandoval, Steve Turre, Oscar D'Leon, and so many, many more in live performance. Very good stuff!

The production work on this DVD is appropriate for the nineteen-seventies. I was really excited to get the DVD, as I have the CD under the same name. Unfortunately, the DVD has one LESS song!! The fifth track from the CD, "Wigwam", isn't on the DVD! Unbelievable!!! Don't get me wrong, I was very excited to see some of these guys on DVD. However, with terrible graphic production, one less song than the CD and absolutely NO extras, this DVD is a no-buy if you were considering it. The only exception is for those who cannot live without seeing the all-star lineup. However, there are no interviews, no commentaries, nothing--just the music, cheap graphic production and one track missing. Again, I say unbelievable!!

When this DVD first came out, I refrained from reviewing it. That was not due to my not owning it (I still do not). It was because, in a certain respect, the concert was a fiasco. I know because I, too, was there. This was due to the unfortunate hospitalization of Tito Puente. At the beginning of the concert the audience was informed of his health crisis and it quickly became apparent that the musicians were in fear of his impending demise. At one point, one of the featured artists (who shall remain nameless) seized a microphone and launched into a rant. It seemed pretty clear that he was intoxicated and he was soon escorted off stage. I would like to assume that those present that night ultimately forgave him, since he was obviously distraught about Tito. This scene, as well as other undesirable dialogue, may be responsible for the strange editing of the video footage that people have mentioned.

It is a testament to the remaining musicians, as well as dancer Debbie Allen who was also on stage that evening, that they all managed to adhere to the old adage "The Show Must Go On".

A couple of points:
First- This concert was never meant to be primarily "a celebration of Latin jazz heritage" as the official editorial stated. Nor was it originally intended to be a tribute to Tito Puente. The purpose of the concert was to raised money for Miami schools to develop a program to help train young people to embark upon careers in 'arts related' fields (stagecraft, lights, mixing board, etc.).

Second- This concert was not meant to be a program of straight ahead Afro Cuban music. It was from the start a Latin Jazz concert.

Finally- I probably will buy the DVD even though it reportedly fails to include Chick Corea and Origin's number "Wigwam". That is too bad. I guess I will have to get the CD, too....darn ;)

Mark Edward Hendricks
Wilton Manors, FL

After watching the DVD for a few moments I was completly blown away at seeing all these latin "greats" getting together an just shredding all of these tunes. A must have for anyone that is somewhat into Latin music. I wish they would produce more of these type of DVD's.

I will always remember this concert for a few reasons. 1) This was the last Jazz concert that I attended in Miami before being deployed with the U.S.Army overseas as a peace keeper in Eastern Europe. 2) I remember that they made the announcement of Tito Puente critical illness and how the members of the band reacted to it. 3) Debbie was there. 4) I was able to see for the first time Poncho Sanchez(a pupil of Mongo Santamaria)on congas and Pete Escovedo on timbales, I remember Pete from the early 70's when he used to double on timbales with the late Coke Escovedo from the Azteca band, both of these Chicanos are great in their own field. And the Cuban Arturo Sandoval with his outstanding trumpet style playing was great. The remaining members of the assembly were excellent too! This was a great Jazz concert. Miami should have more concerts like this one again. Maybe when I return from my deployment there will be more Jazz concerts in Miami.

This DVD is one of the Best Latin Jazz i had ever seen.The sound is a good one and the production perfect.

loved dvd recieved item in excellent shape ez opening pkg delived on time as promised showed this DVD to Friends they liked it very much

Great performances with great latin artist. This is just me speaking, but the venue was not the greatest, but I liked it.

If Arturo Sandoval is going to be there with his trumpet (or timbales or piano)it is a great show, and this is the case,but bad editing and bad quality of DVD.

This is definitely a must have dvd if you like latin jazz. Some of the best latin muscians together, you'll definitely enjoy the music quality and skill demonstration.
Wish the video quality was a lot better.