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George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Blu-ray (2016)

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Blu-ray (2016)

by | Dec 29, 2016 | DVD & Blu-ray Video Reviews

A classic that has been seen by millions—now in your living room. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Blu-ray (2016) TCHAIKOVSKY: The Nutcracker (Live from Lincoln Center) Performers: The New York City Ballet Director: Katherine E. Brown Producer: John Goberman Studio: C Major 738704 2016 [Distr. by Naxos] Video: 16:9 HD Blu-ray Audio: PCM Stereo 2.0, DTS-HD MA 5.0 Subtitles: Italian, German, English, French No region code Length: 100 min. Extras: Behind the Stage (10 min.) Rating: ***** Balanchine’s Nutcracker has been a staple for 64 years at the New York City Ballet. It’s seen by over 100,000 people annually, and countless versions of it have been given throughout the United States, popularizing the work in a way that Tchaikovsky could never imagine. It’s no secret as to why this particular vision of the piece has proved so enormously widespread—the fanciful delights of this rabidly gorgeous production, the inevitable deliberateness of the dance numbers that are perfectly executable yet still breathlessly entertaining, and the magical atmospherics add up to a production that is fully worthy of the accolades received over the years. It’s about time we had this on Blu-ray, in stunning sound and superb color, with a bonus segment that takes […]

The Detroit Jazz Festival – Labor Day Weekend, 2016

The Detroit Jazz Festival – Labor Day Weekend, 2016

by | Sep 7, 2016 | Special Features

Covering all bases, and well! – 37th Annual Detroit Jazz Festival…. Review of Detroit Jazz Festival – Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 2-5, 2016 The Detroit Jazz Festival holds a distinct and venerable place as one of the most treasured jazz festivals in the country. It is the largest free (!) jazz festival in North America. Taking place in downtown Detroit, covering four stages on both sides of  Jefferson Avenue, on Campus Martius and Hart Plaza (bordering the picturesque Detroit River), the festival celebrates the rich tradition of Detroit’s past and present jazz scene. It brings together often neglected regional jazz legends with the best of today’s trend setters. This is the third festival that I have attended, and I eagerly await each visit with the anticipation of an expected jazz smorgasbord of riches. I am proud to say that I have never been disappointed. This is due to the fact that fact that Detroit knows its jazz. From a rich history producing the Jones Brothers (Hank, Thad, and Elvin), to Tommy Flanagan, Barry Harris, Yusef Lateef, Milt Jackson, Donald Byrd – the list goes on and on – the Motor City stands along side only New York City as a […]

Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra – All My Yesterdays – Resonance (2 CDs)

Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra – All My Yesterdays – Resonance (2 CDs)

by | Mar 10, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

Celebrating fifty years, and counting, of powerful Monday night big band jazz at the Village Vanguard… Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra – All My Yesterdays – Resonance HCD 2023 – 2 CDs, 48:47, 77:11 (1966) ****1/2: (CD 1- 2/7/66: Thad Jones- trumpet, Flugelhorn, arranger & conductor; Hank Jones- piano; Sam Herman – guitar, percussion; Richard Davis – bass; Mel Lewis – drums; Jerome Richardson – alto sax, clarinet, flute; Jerry Dodgion – alto sax, clarinet, flute; Joe Farrell – tenor sax, flute, clarinet; Eddie Daniels – tenor sax, clarinet; Marv “Doc” Holladay – baritone sax; Jimmy Nottingham, Snooky Young, Jimmy Owens, Bill Berry – trumpets; Bob Brookmeyer, Garnett Brown, Cliff Heather, Jack Rains – trombones) (CD 2- 3/21/66: Thad Jones – trumpet, Flugelhorn, arranger & conductor; Hank Jones – piano; Sam Herman – guitar; Richard Davis – bass; Mel Lewis – drums; Jerome Richardson – alto sax, clarinet, flute; Jerry Dodgion – alto sax, clarinet, flute; Joe Farrell – tenor sax, clarinet, flute; Pepper Adams – baritone sax; Jimmy Nottingham, Bill Berry, Jimmy Owens, Danny Stiles – trumpets; Jack Rains, Garnett Brown, Cliff Heather, Tom McIntosh – trombones) For jazz fans who can afford to live in New York City, the […]