Product Description

Soprano saxophonists Wayne Shorter and Dave Liebman, pianist Richie Beirach, bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Jack De Johnette share the stage in the "Select Live Under the Sky '87" tribute to legendary jazz master John Coltrane. Set list: Mr. P.C., After the Rain/Naima, India/Impressions.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #134004 in DVD
• Released on: 1999-08-31
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, NTSC, Digital Sound
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 56 minutes

Amazon.com
By and large, tribute shows are often a letdown. Bob Dylan's 30th anniversary show, for example, just made you realize how much better the troubadour's material was when he first performed it. When an artist has died, it can be even worse. Their contemporaries often fall all over themselves, gushing embarrassingly hyperbolic praise. Filmed in Japan in 1987, this tribute to the late jazz genius John Coltrane is a definite exception. The musicians, sax players Wayne Shorter and Dave Liebman, pianist Richie Beirach, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Jack DeJohnette--all great in their own right--keep the eulogizing minimal and instead focus on interpreting a small handful of Coltrane's important works. Interpreting is key here, as the band often uses Coltrane's material as a jumping-off point before spiraling into inspired, freeform improvisation. Their best playing is showcased during two tunes of Coltrane's seminal album, Giant Steps: "Mr. PC" is upbeat, dizzying, and comes very close to rockin', while "Naima" (one of Coltrane's most lyrical, gorgeous pieces) is full of atmosphere and somber emotion. The band lets it all hang out (and nearly falls apart) during "Impressions," but somehow manages to stay balanced enough to pull it off. The sound is perfect here, and while the visuals don't offer much to look at, all you really need to do is listen. Coltrane would be pleased. --Dave McCoy

Customer Reviews

Great Jazz performed by world-class performers...
The info on Amazon didn't indicate who was playing on this DVD. First of all, John Coltrane himself is not on this DVD. But five (5) great world-class musicians are: Wayne Shorter (soprano sax), Dave Liebman (soprano sax), Richie Beirach (piano), Eddie Gomez (bass) and Jack DeJohnette (drums). Only soprano sax in heard on the DVD, no tenor sax. But that doesn't matter because Wayne & Dave are some of the best soprano sax players around. Dave of course has his own style, but at times you can definately hear the influence John Coltrane has had on his playing. Lots of good up-close shots of the players hands & faces while they're playing. Dave's playing on Mr. P.C is incredible (IMHO). The show comes from the "Select Live Under The Sky '87 10th Special", recorded in Japan. The audio quality is uncompressed PCM (48khz) and is great. The video quality is also great. If you like these artists but have been unable to see them in person, this is the next best thing to being there.

A Grand Tribute
First off let me say that John Coltrane is not on this DVD. What you will find, however, is a group of wonderful musicians playing well known (and not so well known) works of Mr. Coltrane's to a very appreciative audience in Japan. When you have the caliber of Wayne Shorter and Dave Liebman on saxaphones fronting this group, you know that you are in for something special. Rounding out the group is Richie Beirach on piano, Eddie Gomez on bass, and the man who sounds like he must have four arms, Jack De Johnette on drums. Technically, the recording is excellent. The camera work also bears note here. We are not made to sift thru "special" video effects which seem to be part and parcel of so many live concert recordings these days. Instead we are treated to nice camera work which gives the viewer a good sence of what was happening without distracting anyone from the main emphasis; the music. All in all, this is a wonderful DVD, which holds up under repeated listening AND viewing. A rare find these days.

A DVD any jazz fan can appreciate
This DVD is great. Right from the start there is an interesting spoken intro by Wayne Shorter and then the music explodes in front of a responsive Japanese audience starting with Mr. PC. I was a little skeptical at first at the usage of two soprano saxes by David Liebman and Wayne Shorter but as I listened it proved to create a unique sound. There are many close, mobile camera angles used that make the performance all the more interesting. This DVD features a duo of "Naima" and "After the Rain" by Liebman and Richie Beirach which works very well. I was particularly impressed by Beirach's soloing, whom I had never payed much attention to. Jack Dejohnette and Eddie Gomez have their share of soloing also. The second half of the DVD features multiple long drum breaks that are stunning to watch and awesome to listen to. This DVD costs just a bit more than a CD costs and it is so much more for the money. No jazz fans will be left dissapointed.