Customer Reviews

Lady Sings Jazz & Blues [VHS]

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This show must surely rank with Diana-excuse me-Miss Ross, as her best work. The epitome of diva, she triumphs with "The Lady Sings... Jazz & Blues." Ross looks good, she sounds good and performs exquisitely. She's seductive, flirty and ingratiating on stage and as she sashays through the audience. While Ross has never had the vocal range associated with many prominent singers, she performs the classic standards beautifully. With a band of the best musicians in the business behind her (on whom she bestows constant praise) she owns the night.

This show and some of the songs are an extension of her portrayal of the late Billie Holiday from the movie "Lady Sings the Blues". When she sings "God Bless The Child", "Strange Fruit", and "My Man", it is clear these songs embody a special meaning for her. Ross pulls out all the stops in this show to create an intimate, moving experience. She's gorgeously dressed in three stunning outfits, which appear to be made exclusively for her well-preserved physique. Her hair, (well, maybe too much) makeup and jewelry are dazzling.

In the DVD, you also see an unexpected modesty from Ross in her beginning commentary and when she introduces her daughter Rhonda, then briefly steps aside for her song. Rhonda's performance is acceptable, but she is young. Her style as a vocalist needs fine-tuning, development and maturity to really reveal how she will fare as a performer and in her mother's imposing shadow.

Whatever else she may or may not be, it cannot be denied that this is her finest hour. When you consider Ross' career and all that's been said and written about her and that which has been acknowledged by her, you understand three important things. First, she is uncompromising, demanding of excellence in her work and life. Second, she's sensitive, easily offended. Third, she makes no apology for her choices or persona. She is who she is, Supreme, on her own.

Finally, Motown has released this fabulous concert on DVD. Diana shines in this jazz concert that she first presented on pay per view. She looks wonderful and sounds divine and although she is not known as a jazz singer, she takes these songs and puts her own distinctive stamp on them. This DVD is well worth buying and it will have to do until Paramount finally releases "Lady Sings The Blues" on DVD.

Diana Ross is at her best while performing intimate venues. This performance complete with all the old-tyme jazz greats performing behind her, make this a true music lover's DVD. Ross performs many Great Jazz Tunes with perfect pitch for setting the mood. Great Work DR. Hope to see more soon!

Unfortunately, Diana Ross steps off on the wrong footing before she even takes to the stage, that's because her reputation always precedes her. She an internationally known pop artist, a legendary performer and a history-making pop chart diva. People who see this DVD may be put off when they try to equate Diana Ross and Jazz together. But believe me, they go hand in hand. She excels in delivering her best when its least expected. And at this stage of her career, Diana Ross venture into jazz is long overdue. As she has proven with her portrayal of Billie Holiday in 'Lady Sings the Blues', Diana has the natural capabilities of becoming one of our leading jazz stars. She has always teased us with short ventures into her jazz/blues side during her live performances, a listen to 'An Evening With Diana Ross' is a glowing testament to that fact. Unbeknownst to many, she even experimented with her bluesy, sexy, playful side in an unreleased duet with Ray Charles in the movie, 'The Favor'. But on this DVD, she gives her intimate audience exactly what they came to see and more. One minute she smoldering, another moment she's coy. There are still a lot of instances that reminds viewers that the person you're watching IS Diana Ross, but for the most part, you'll come away with a wistful thought as to why she hasn't jumped into this musical expression permanently. She's not radio pc at the moment but who needs that when she has a voice like this and an audience who's just waiting for her to commit to jazz full time. This performance is from a highly rated television special and is also available on cd for your listening pleasure.

Diana Ross' "The Lady Sings...Jazz & Blues (Stolen Moments)" is beyond description. Diana looks great! Diana sounds great! The band that plays for her is great! I cannot believe the color of the DVD! I am very impressed with every aspect of the DVD. It was great hearing/seeing her daughter, Rhonda. She has a great voice, too. Whoever put the DVD together did a great job. Congratulations to all for a job well done!!

I must admit that Diana Ross has the best voice I have ever heard. Others may come close but no one beats her voice. That said the down side to this performance is one, she talks to much and two, her desire to go out in to the audience distracts from the overall performance. You do get a chance to hear her daughter sing on this DVD as well. If you like Diana Ross you will want this DVD.

As a fan of the Supremes for years, and then Diana as a solo artist, actor, and performer deluxe, I shivered when I watched this vintage live peformance on disc. I feel that it showcases Diana at her best, without artiface or gimmicks. Delicious.

ive been the owner of the vhs, cd, for years hooray for dvd beter sound picture quality,song selection a must for dianas fans or anyone into jazz and blues she's fab

Well,
Diana sings her heart out. She is truly a superstar, Billie would have been proud. Miss Ross truly has found her niche, I love this concert, seen Diana 4 times in concert and the Billie Holiday section is a real treat so imagine a whole concert, you can feel the hurt in classics like "Strange Fruit" and the mischievousness in tracks like "Them there eyes" Diana you are beyond description-I love you, you have truly touched my heart,

Gary

oh what a wonderful event diana makes the music come alive the woman has a wonderful jazz voice anyone who buys this dvd will NOT be disapointed she was noninated for an oscar for lady sings the blues the life of billy holiday, DIANA ROSS HAS PUT OUT SOME GREAT JAZZ MUSIC