Product Details

• Actors: Chick Corea, Thelonious Monk, Count Basie, Duke Ellington
• Format: Black & White, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Video Artists Int'l
• VHS Release Date: March 30, 1999
• Run Time: 63 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6301007549
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #189,444 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Piano Legends, hosted by the incomparable keyboardist Chick Corea, unveils the entire spectrum of jazz piano. It features over 20 clips culled from the archives of coproducer Dave Chertok, from 1941 to 1986. This 63-minute DVD shows the depth and diversity of keyboard styles, from ragtime, stride, swing, bebop, and hard bop to the avant-garde. Corea brilliantly and succinctly spells out each pianist's style and how each fits into the jazz continuum. The best clips feature the stomping left-hand of Thomas "Fats" Waller, the superhuman technique of Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson, the earthy elegance of Mary Lou Williams, and the cutting-edge harmonies of Cecil Taylor. Other stylists like the powerful McCoy Tyner, the streamlined John Lewis, and the eclectic Keith Jarrett are also profiled. Corea's own Bud Powell-influenced ivory runs complete this rousing and revealing documentary, in which all styles of jazz spring from 88 keys. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Product Description

The performers on this program constitute a virtual "Who's Who" of immortal keyboard players familiar to every jazz buff in the world. Some led bands; some established fame as soloists; some worked in small ensembles; and all left an indelible mark on this uniquely American art. Piano Legends explores the work of twenty-three renowned jazz pianists as filmed and videotaped over the last 60 years. These films are part of the private collection of David Chertok, known to jazz enthusiasts for his unique film archives of legendary jazz performers. This program covers every major period in the progressive development of jazz pianism from the rags and stomps of "Fats" Waller to the contemporary work of Cecil Taylor.

Musicians include:
Chick Corea (1986)
Willie "the Lion" Smith (1958)
Meade Lux Lewis (1961)
Earl "Fatha" Hines (1963)
Mary Lou Williams (1980)
Thomas "Fats" Waller (1941)
Art Tatum (1943)
Oscar Peterson (1963)
Marian McPartland (1960)
Teddy Wilson (1954)
Bud Powell (1962)
Thelonius Monk (1957)
Horace Silver (1960)
Mal Waldron (1983)
John Lewis (1968)
Lennie Tristano (1964)
Dave Brubeck (1963)
Duke Ellington (1966)
Count Basie (1963)
McCoy Tyner (1971)
Bill Evans (1969)
Keith Jarrett (1968)
Cecil Taylor (1981)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great insight into some of the greatest piano jazz, July 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Piano Legends [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This video is very well made, and Chick's hosting and narrative in well thought out and conveys a deep knowledge of the medium. (After all, he IS Chick Corea) Sound quality on most of the clips is accurate for the most part, but it's the content that really makes it shine. You don't have to be a musician to enjoy this video. It contains a lot of information about the history of piano jazz, and there is a surprising treat at the end. Chick, one of the most underrated and understated musicians of our time, plays a piano solo version of his composition "The Yellow Nimbus" that is nothing less than spectacular. I actually heard this version before I heard the one on his "Touchstone" CD, with Paco De Lucia. That one is awesome too. (As you can tell, I'm a big Chick fan). GET THIS VIDEO. It's a great value at twice the price.

4 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Video, May 28, 2000

By 

A customer "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Piano Legends [VHS] (VHS Tape)

THe Piano is A Grand Instrument and their have Been Many Grand Musicians in Jazz that Have Played it.this Video Reflects that&More.Chick Corea is a Musical Genius Period.His Fusion is Incredible.From His Days With Miles Davis,Return To Forever&His Other Projects He is Incredible.I Really Enjoyed this.Fantastic.

2 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Chick Corea at his best, May 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Piano Legends [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Chick Corea is probably the most underated pianist in the industry. Often misunderstood because of his ecclectic sound and provocative themes, Chick Corea's other works in the classical realm are unfortunately overlooked. Piano Legends gives us a Chick Corea we rarely see. It shows us that know him even more of what he does and gives many an insight on who Chick Corea really is.