Product Description

One of the outlets for bassist Charlie Haden's multifarious musical interests is the politically charged, progressive Liberation Music Orchestra. In July 1992, the Orchestra--a powerhouse of some of the top names in jazz--brought the collaborative sound of their album "Dream Keeper" to the Montreal International Jazz Festival. The African National Congress anthem, "Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika," opens the program and sets the tone, followed by a suite-like series of traditional melodies from Latin America for a unique, powerful performance. Tracks: Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika, Dream Keeper, Feliciano Ama, Canto Del Pilon, Hymn of the Anarchist Women's Movement, Spiritual.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #97701 in DVD
• Brand: Image Entertainment
• Released on: 2002-01-29
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 60 minutes

Amazon.com
Latin American songs and leftist tunes from a jazz band? Bassist Charlie Haden and his Liberation Music Orchestra brilliantly mix politics with improvisation on this star-studded, hour-long live date recorded in July 1992 at the Montreal Jazz Festival. This inspired and innovative 13-piece ensemble features tenor saxophonists Joe Lovano and Javon Jackson, drummer Bill Stewart, trumpeter Ryan Kisor, and trombonist Robin Eubanks. The music is passionate and poetic, thanks to the evocative arrangements by Carla Bley. The selections include "Dream Keeper," which derives its title from a Langston Hughes poem; a heartfelt rendering of the African National Congress anthem "Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika"; a collection of traditional Latin American cancións; a Spanish Civil War song; and Haden's moving "Spiritual." Haden's big bass tones ring through to this enthusiastic audience. In the DVD's bonus interview, Haden outlines the musical philosophy that has kept him going all of these years. --Eugene Holley Jr.