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VARIOUS ARTISTS
One Night With Blue Note (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich
In 1985, several jazz greats performed a concert in New York City to launch the reemergence of Blue Note from a period of inactivity after EMI purchased the label from the original founders, Alfred Lion and Frank Wolff. This 2003 reissue condenses the original four CDs and a video down to one CD (nine songs) and a DVD (fourteen songs), all with remastered sound. Many of these performers were among the top of their profession during the glory years of jazz - the 1950's and 1960's. Some of the musicians were rising stars, yet new to Blue Note.
The music on both the CD and DVD is of the highest quality. Having played together often in the past, the musicians were familiar with each other and the music, so this is not just a blowing session. There are so many inspirational performances it's difficult to single out one or two highlights. Personally, I loved hearing and seeing "Moanin" as performed by Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, Johnny Griffin, Curtis Fuller, Walter Davis Jr., and Reggie Workman; "Appointment In Ghana" featuring Jackie McLean, Woody Shaw, McCoy Tyner, Cecil McBee, and Jack DeJohnette; and "Tone Poem" by Charles Lloyd, Michael Petrucciani, Cecil McBee, and Jack DeJohnette.
I strongly recommend purchasing this package. The music is exuberant, bewitching, and unfailing inventive. All of the performers have talent and technique to burn, and it's a treat to both listen to the music and watch artists so passionately involved in creating jazz. No one sleepwalks through any of the numbers. Plus the DVD offers the original Blue Note photos and album covers. If you are a fan of jazz, and especially the whole Blue Note experience, you will find yourself spending more than one night with Blue Note. It's worth every penny.
Track List And Performers:
Cantelope Island - Freddie Hubbard trumpet, Joe Henderson tenor sax, Herbie Hancock piano, Ron Carter bass, and Tony Williams drums (DVD & CD).
Recorda-Me - Freddie Hubbard trumpet, Joe Henderson tenor sax, Herbie Hancock piano, Bobby Hutcherson vibraphone, Ron Carter bass, and Tony Williams drums (DVD & CD).
Little B's Poem - James Newton flute, Bobby Hutcherson vibraphone, Herbie Hancock piano, Ron Carter bass, and Tony Williams drums (DVD & CD).
Bouquet - Herbie Hancock piano, Bobby Hutcherson vibraphone, and Ron Carter bass (DVD).
Jumpin' Jack - Stanley Jordon guitar (DVD).
Summertime - Grover Washington Jr. soprano sax, Kenny Burrell guitar, Reggie workman bass, and Grady Tate drums (DVD & CD).
Moanin' - Freddie Hubbard trumpet, Johnny Griffin tenor sax, Curtis Fuller trombone, Walter Davis Jr. piano, Reggie Workman bass, and Art Blakey drums (DVD).
Sweet And Lovely - McCoy Tyner piano (DVD & CD).
Appointment In Ghana - Woody Shaw trumpet, Jackie McLean alto sax, McCoy Tyner piano, Cecil McBee bass, and Jack DeJohnette drums (DVD & CD).
Tone Poem - Charles Lloyd tenor sax, Michael Petrucciani piano, Cecil McBee bass, and Jack DeJohnette drums (DVD).
Blues Walk - Lou Donaldson alto sax, Jimmy Smith organ, Kenny Burrell guitar, and Grady Tate drums (DVD & CD).
The Jumpin' Blues - Stanley Turrentine tenor sax, Jimmy Smith organ, Kenny Burrell guitar, and Grady Tate drums (DVD & CD).
Scratch My Back - Stanley Turrentine tenor sax, Jimmy Smith organ, Kenny Burrell guitar, and Grady Tate drums (DVD & CD).
Pontos Cantados - Cecil Taylor piano (DVD & CD).
© 2004 - Ron Saranich