So before you go shaking your collective head at me and
wondering why I was in my stateroom watching TV – allow me to lay down the list of
wonderful documentaries and performances I caught here!
Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way – A wonderful tribute
produced by Clint Eastwood. Great movie.
Calle 54 – I know it is available on Netflix, but it was
great to see this presentation of Latin artists.
Jackie McLean and Mal Waldron – Left Alone: I only saw part of this but it was two
players I had heard a lot about but never seen and really enjoyed.
Duke Ellington – Love You Madly/Sacred Concert. Now this one was magnificent. Lots of
interviews with Duke, lots of music and the sacred concert is beautiful. The beginning is this majestic seven note
passage with the words “In the beginning, God!” and then a sort of litany – no
birds, no cats,etc, very down to earth. It was almost like a child trying to
understand the concept of nothing by asking about every possible thing she
could only to be told it didn’t exist
before the beginning.
Frank Sinatra with Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald and Jobim: Over the years I had seen many of these
performances (probably saw many of them when they were new!) It was fascinating
to watch now, knowing what I do of jazz, and of them. As a kid, Ella always bored me, and I had
grown to respect her, but she was the standout in this film for sure. It was fun to watch the scripted off the cuff
moments too. I won’t seek this particular
film out, but will be searching for more Ella for sure.
The Dream’s On Me – Johnny Mercer and Friends: Magnificent.
I learned so much about this composer and was shocked at how many of the best songs
of our culture were penned by him. I also never knew he was a performer.
The Divine One – Sarah Vaughan: I love Sarah and saw her
live. I felt she was a genius. But the film left me feeling sad for her – her
love life, her family life, her inability to take in the love and adoration
from the fans but maybe mostly the sadness that was palpable from the people
who knew her well and talked about her with such regret for her.
There were so many more I missed, but I have the list and I
will be searching them out to get me thru the winter months to come to extend
my cruise education.
There was also a list of movies played which boasted a jazz
score. I would sometimes stop for a
minute or two, but always went back to the documentaries. If anyone is interested I can post that list
as well.
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