(A quick disclaimer, for anyone who cares: my father is the jazz buff in the family, so the review presented below is his...)
As one who is more accustomed to enjoying recorded jazz through CD or record this DVD has one quickly noted shortcoming. No recognition is given, on the cover, to the accompanying musicians. This acknowledgement is a traditional part of jazz presentation, no matter what the media.
Brenda Russell is described, in the brief cover notes, as a jazz and R&B singer. The predominant genre here is the latter. The creativity of improvisation and the essential chord structure of jazz are seldom used. However the instrumental and vocal artistry are apparent from track one. The question of which label is used to identify the music becomes little more than a semantic concern.
The visual aspect of the production is impressive. Audience shots are used rarely but to maximum effect. For example, when introducing For Only One Night, the star addresses those present who might be old enough to be familiar with the early days of the song. After a few bars images of some of the relevant fans appear as a delightful complement to the warm lyrics. Camera shots are varied and always sensitive to the music. Incidentally, the magnificent Washington venue is another star in this performance.
The sound quality is superb. The alliance of singer, instrumental rhythm section and backing vocal group is produced with a balance that is, aesthetically, a joy.
The “Meet the Artist” interview is found at the end of the DVD. This is just a promotional extra aimed at advertising other Jazz Channel productions. It provides some interesting background to several of Russell’s compositions; but, as for material stemming from her approach to music or her artistic philosophy – nothing.
However, despite a couple of grumpy old man qualifications, for the connoisseur of contemporary R&B, this ranks as a must-buy.
-Terry Oberg Sr.
The disc boasts a very impressive transfer. A horribly grainy (and silent) menu opens the proceedings on an ominous note, but the image quality for the concert is pleasantly clean and detailed. It's a full-screen, non-enhanced picture, but it suffices.
Warner Vision have provided three audio options for our pleasure: DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital stereo. All are crisp, clear and effective.
As mentioned above, an insubstantial but not unwelcome "Meet the Artist" featurette rounds out the package.
