Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, February 12, 1994 TAG: 9402120214
SECTION: SPECTATOR PAGE: 4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARTIE ZAD THE WASHINGTON POST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"Bluesland: A Portrait in American Music" is being released Tuesday, and "The Story of Jazz" comes out two weeks later, March 1. Each video has a running time of 90 minutes and lists for $29.98; laser, $39.98 (1-800-235-2153, ext. 201).
"Bluesland" is hosted by Keith David, co-star of Broadway's "Jelly's Last Jam." He is both entertaining and informative, providing a high-caliber and comprehensive look at many of the greatest musicians and entertainers of the 20th century.
In "Bluesland," he presents some vintage footage of early blues greats such as Bessie Smith, Leadbelly and Sonny Boy Williamson. Classic and contemporary performances from the likes of Dinah Washington, Big Bill Broonzy, Big Joe Turner, Son House and T-Bone Walker are also featured. This video also includes discussions with authors Robert Palmer ("Deep Blues") and Albert Murray ("Stompin' the Blues").
"The History of Jazz" beats it way through clips from 30 illustrious jazz performers, including some of the art form's legendary artists from Buddy Bolden, a founding father of jazz, to Ornette Coleman. Some of the others who should not go unmentioned are Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and John Coltrane.
In August the first of the four earlier releases in this series met with notable success thanks to a resurgence in the popularity of jazz and blues. That title was "The World According to John Coltrane," which was followed by "Sarah Vaughn: The Divine One." The next two were "Count Basie: Swingin' the Blues" and "Thelonious Monk: American Composer."
by CNB