Customer Reviews

The Ladies Sing The Blues

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

 

 

The songs may be "complete" as the DVD claims, but what isn't mentioned is the inane narration over the beginning of just about every clip on the disk, which spoiled much of the enjoyment for me. I bought the DVD for the Connee Boswell clip (love those Boswell Sisters), but after the narration there's just eighteen seconds of the song left. By the way, even accounting for the age/rarity of the clips, the quality of them often leaves something to be desired, as well.

This acclaimed compilation brings together full-length, rare performances from the great ladies of song: Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Peggy Lee, Lena Horne, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan and Ethel Waters. Hailed by Entertainment Weekly as "a grand parade of American miracles," Ladies captures the excitement of the most distinctive female vocalists in Jazz.

#1313 (60 min, B&W, Hi-Fi)

I have to agree with one of the earlier reviewers: the complete "videos" on this tape are fantastic, but the narrated voice-over (delivered in a near-monotone) during the opening bits isn't of much use. Still, I use portions of this tape in my Jazz History class, and at least the narration backs up the info that students are given in their textbooks. In all, I like certain clips in here better than the Burns "Jazz" anthology simply because they ARE complete.

They had prepared the way for so many female singers of today. Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Dinah Washington, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne, Ethel Waters, and many more. With the stars that are jam packed inside this video, makes the video worth seeing. So if blues and the ladies that sing them interests you, then by all means, take advantage of this must see video; you'll be glad you did.

I have to address the voice over first. I use this dvd for my class to inform students who never heard of most of these singers. I find the voice over puts the era in perspective. The dvd is a knock out. Beautifully sung throughout. There's style, intimacy and passion. I don't know a better example to show young adults the great and original singers the 30s were turning out.

I used this as resource and display for a workshop on Jazz vocalists for the Sitka Jazz Festival. It worked out just fine-the footage and commentary was first rate.

SO Many Great Talented Ladies Here.These Voices Have Forever Changed The History Of Music.The Music&Depth Of Their Genius is Timeless Check This Out Very Essential.

I like blue