The Legends Series-Jazz Collection (DVD)

Extended Article

Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, Dizzy Gillespie, Red Rodney.,.. These are names synonymous with the great Jazz Age. The Legends Series features all these wonderful artists and others doing simply what they loved and lived for - playing jazz.

Dizzy Gillespie: Born John Birks Gillespie, 21st October 1917, Cheran, South Carolina, USA. Died 6th January 1993. Acquired his nickname in the '30s as a result of his jestful behavior on and off stage. In the history of the development of jazz trumpet Gillespie's place ranks second only to that of Louis Armstrong. In the history of jazz as a whole he was firmly in the small group of major innovators who reshaped the music in a manner so profound that everything that follows has to be measured by reference, conscious or not, to their achievements. Band personnel: Sam Rivers, Bass; John Lee, Electric Bass; Ignacio Berroa, Drums.

Dexter Gordon: Born 27th February 1923, Los Angeles, California, USA. Died 1990. One of the outstanding tenor saxophonists of jazz despite, at times, addictions to both drugs and alcohol. Gordon was as popular in Europe as the US and his music always displayed his awareness of the Swing Era cadences whilst his renowned ballads were enhanced through his own unique combination of experience and inspiration optimized in the Academy Award-nominated film 'Round Midnight starring Gordon in the lead role as an alcoholic saxophonist. Band personnel: Kirk Lightsey, Acoustic Piano; David Eubanks, Contrabass; Eddie G. Ladden, Drums.

Art Blakey: Born Arthur Blakey, 11th October 1919, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Died 16th October 1990. Another member of the legendary Billy Eckstine band of the '40s that included Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, Blakey formed the Jazz Messengers in the early '50s that became a touring musical education for many aspiring jazz musicians. As a drummer Blakey will never be forgotten, but as a catalyst for hundreds of past messengers he will forever be praised. Band personnel: Wynton Marsalis, Trumpet; Branford Marsalis, Alto Sax; Billy Pearce, Tenor Sax; Donald Brown, Piano; Charles Farnborough, Bass.

Stan Getz: Born 2nd October 1927, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Died 6th June 1991. Getz became known internationally as a member of Woody Herman's Four Brothers band having previously toured with both Jimmy Dorsey and Benny Goodman. Always in control of his career and the integrity of his music Getz followed his own path and along the way made such classic albums as Early Autumn, The Girl From Ipanema and Serenity. Band personnel: Victor Lewis, Drums; Mark Johnson, Contrabass; Jim McNeally, Acoustic Bass.

Contents

This 120-minute DVD features volumes 1 & 2 of The Legends Series-Jazz Collection and features some of the world's all-time best jazz musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Willie Dixon, Red Rodney, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon and a host of others. Experience The Blues with Dizzy Gillespie, Wang Dang Doodle from Willie Dixon, New York by Art Blakey and many others as this program provides an inside look at jazz's greatest musicians!