Customer Reviews

Shirley Horn - Here's to Life [VHS]

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Features Jazz Legend, Shirley Horn- Captures the rare essence and provides insight into this powerfully, delicate performer. Highlights include video commentary by family as well as Carmen Mcrae, Bobby Mandel and Quincey Jones. Profiles early recordings and classical roots. A child prodigy, Shirley attended Howard University at the age of four and went on to win the 1999 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocals, "I remember Miles".

This video captures the essence of Shirley Horn and displays her sensitivity, creativity, artistry, vulnerability. All aspects of this video are outstanding. You get a taste of her live performances, of what goes on during a recording, and how she prepares and chooses her material. A must for anyone who enjoys the artistry of a true, one of a kind "stylist"!

This documentary is a JEWEL. Shirley Horn was one of the great jazz artists of the post-war period, a member of the Steinway 500, and Miles Davis' great revelation. Johnny Mercer compared her virtuoso interpretive skills to Peggy Lee's, Blossom Dearie's and Sinatra's. She touched a piano and suddenly time stopped. Shirley did for the silence between notes what Vermeer did for light. Where is the DVD of this great lady?

If you're a Shirley Horn fan you will not be disappointed.

From the back of the box: "The art of the remarkable Shirley Horn has finally been captured on this hour long music documentary. The program centers around three recent and varied performances: A Los Angeles recording session, arranged and conducted by Grammy winner Johnny Mandel, for her new album, Here's To Life; A delightful evening at the Village Vanguard in New York City and a wonderfully casual and personal evening of conversaton and songs at her home with family and friends."

The following tracks are heard (some only partially) on the video: Here's To Life.(studio) -- Nice N' Easy.(Vanguard) -- A Beautiful Friendship.(Vanguard, I think) -- Come A Little Closer (at home). -- Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'. -- You Won't Forget Me.(album version is heard while she remembers Miles) -- Where Do You Start?