Customer Reviews

Round Midnight

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After seeing "Round Midnight," I knew I had to buy the soundtrack, and if you too have seen the movie, you know what I mean. All the recordings on here were recorded live for the movie, which gives it a great intimate feeling. At the same time, the sound quality on this particular CD is surprisingly good.

If you haven't seen the movie you should know that even though much of the soundtrack does features dexter, the supporting cast is just as important featuring Herbie Hancock, as well as occasional appearances by the likes of Cedar Walton, Bobby Hutcherson, Bobby McFerrin, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, and others.

Overall, a very solid soundtrack with memorable versions of many standards and some of Dexter Gordon's and Herbie Hancock's finest playing.

The movie depicts the passion of jazz from both the perspective of a particular French fan and of musicians, particularly Dexter Gordon, who at the time found a musical home in France. The lineup of musicians playing in the film and this soundtrack are true giants: Chet Baker, Ron Carter, Dexter Gordon, Herbie Hancock, Billy Higgins, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson, Bobby McFerrin, John McLaughlin, Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton, Tony Williams, and Lonette McKee, vocalist. That roster alone should make your eyebrows rise in anticipation. Moreover, the selections include classics...Round Midnight, Body and Soul, The Peacocks, Rhythm-a-ning...and the very haunting tune by Hancock, Chan's Song (Never Said), which is emphasized by McFerrin's vocalise. This is lovely listening and excellent dinner jazz. Rent the film and buy this recording. Create memories.

Funny. I agree with the other writers this soundtrack is 5 stars but don't think they "got it".

This soundtrack is genius. Not because of how good it is but because Herbie and Dexter were able to place these songs around the theme of the movie. I don't think I have seen a better job of that other than Prince's Purple Rain.

Also the movie story is great. It is a story similar to "Death of a Salesman" about a man battling his own character flaws. A story of how we have options in life but are often unable to control the events that enter our life. Shape it. And how we often have difficulty coping due to internal weakness and or substance abuse as an escape.Although a temporary one. Ultimately the character, and Dexter Gordon suffered because of their internal pains. He used music as an outlet but it was never enough to heal him. While we benefitted from his genius.

No this movie is more than a soundtrack. It is man vs himself. His strengths. Evils. And the world. I must confess I watch it when I want and need a good cry like Death of a Salesman. It is a movie you must watch as a jazz fan. And own a copy for life.

I've been listening to this album for over 20 years. It was one of the first on my first iPod. Even if you don't see the movie (which would be a shame), get this album.

The music was classic Dexter Gordon. The saxaphone was clear and made me reminisce of a era was vivid and full of the simple complexities of jazz with soul within a Parisian setting. The album and its syncopation with sound is like erecting the Eiffel Tower in jazzy Harlem in the 40's and 50's.

When one my favorite directors, Bertrand Tavernier, tackled the theme of jazz (and Americans in Paris) he did so wisely, not relying only on his affection for the music, but also on some real jazz superstars and giants. That Herbie Hancock was one of them is a great and fortunate decision, for he brings deep understanding of the classic /50s/ jazz on this CD, plays and composes beautifully and hires and arranges musicians with ghusto and great taste.

Among the highlights (in addition to Herbie's playing) is Chet Baker's glorious track and two spots for Wayne Shorter,

while Dexter is strongest at the bonus "Round Midnight" track from a completely different album.

Obviously, this is hardly the cutting-edge state of the art new jazz, but it's beautiful, particularly if you like the older styles;

other great contributors to this album include Bobby Hutcherson on vibes (who works beautifully with Herbie) and Freddie Hubbard (who is playing some hot hard bop).