Customer Reviews

Norman Granz Jazz In Montreux Presents Milt Jackson & Ray Brown '77

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

 

 

It's been said that the 1970s were marked by more interest in fusion than straight ahead jazz. You couldn't guess that from this DVD! This music is full of warmth, drive, supportive accompaniment, and great solos from everybody concerned. With Monty Alexander on piano, Ray Brown on bass, Milt Jackson on vibes, Clark Terry on flugelhorn, Lockjaw Davis on tenor, and Jimmie Smith on drums, all participants (except Smith) give extended solos on virtually every composition. Montreux's audience is polite, but enthusiastic throughout.

The verbal commentary is good, but wisely limited to the first track of this DVD. The remainder is devoted purely to the music. I really wish there were more music DVDs made like this one. In this recording, the color, clarity, lighting, and camera angles are generally non-obstructive and provide a nice backdrop for the music. The sound balance among the instruments is also wonderful. Ray Brown's full, rich tone on acoustic bass comes thru with clarity and bounce.

My favorite track is the last one: "You Are My Sunshine." By itself, it's rather banal pop tune, yet these guys really bring it to life. They give it a light and quick bossa-nova rhythm. Clark Terry's solo on this is a work of art: playful, bouncing, and a good lead for the other soloists. I found it impossible NOT to smile the whole way thru this video. Enjoy!!!

Ray Brown/Milt Jackson are superb on this DVD. The fact that you also get Clark Terry and Monty Alexander as well is a marvellous bonus. What we have here is some of the best Jazz players ever in a swinging jam session.

Be grateful that Norman Granz took the trouble to film these master musicians at the height of their powers. The sound is pretty good for the 1970's, its in colour, and you shouldn't miss the the chance to see these musicians on film. Worth every penny.

I'd forgotten how good milt jackson was; this DVD reminded me. The entire sextet is together and playing as tight as I've ever heard a group play. I'd like to show this to the DJ's and program manager at our so-called 'smooth jazz' radio station so they'd know what real jazz sounds like, not the 21st. century elevator music they peddle everyday. I'm especially impressed with the quality of the images and sound; for 1977 it's excellent! The only shortcoming of this is it's only an hour long.

an easy 4 * rendering of some of the greats of that era, along with the young monty alexander on piano--should be a must.

everything was good. it was shipped & delivered within days.