Much underrated but loved by those who embrace it, Jazz can be a tricky sound to get into. Here are a few titles that are a taste of what it's all about.
Who hasn't heard of Ella Fitzgerald? Here are some of her best songs - before they got stolen for adverts.
Ella Fitzgerald - Songbook
on DVD
Director:Ella Fitzgerald Certificate:
A selection of jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald's best-loved tracks including: 'Give Me The Simple Life', 'A Place For Lovers', 'That Old Black Magic', 'Trouble Is A Man', 'Hey Jude' and 'A House Is Not A Home'.
If you want to learn Jazz or swing for the violen Matt Glaser is a good place to start.
Matt Glaser - Swingin' Jazz Violin Starring:Matt Glaser Certificate:
A tutorial for the early-intermediate player wishing to improvise with traditional swing and jazz styles. It begins with call-and-response patterns, which allow the learner to build more complex phrases at their own pace and gain confidence in improvisation. Background information, technical tips ..read more »
Jazz On A Summer's Day
on DVD
(1958) Starring:Jimmy Giuffre, Thelonious Monk, Henry Grimes Director:Bert Stern, Aram Avakian Certificate:
This video honoring the Newport Jazz Festival combines footage from the musical event with highlights of the 1958 America's Cup Race. Acclaimed as one of the best jazz films ever made, JAZZ ON A SUMMER'S DAY captures some legendary performances by jazz greats such as Thelonius Monk and Louis ..read more »
Classic Drum Solos And Drum Battles - Vol. 1 Starring:Buddy Rich, Cozy Cole, Gene Krupa Certificate:
Featuring fifteen Jazz drumming legends in solo and never seen before 'drum duels'. Artists include: Buddy Rich, Sam Woodyard Sonny Payne, Rufus Jones and Louie Bellson, Gene Krupa and Cozy Cole. Also includes a full length commentary from Peter Erskine and the original trailer for 'The Gene Krupa ..read more »
These aren't really Jazz performances as such but had to be included for their effort to use Jazz as a background soundtrack. This one, as the name suggests, is for christmas.
Not one of the best in the series but might be a worth a look if you want to turn the lights low for a special someone.
Jazzscapes - Music With A View - A Time ...
on DVD
(2003) Certificate:
Music and images to sooth your soul.
Tracklist: Scott Hamilton Whats New, Curtis Stigers My Foolish Heart, Al Cohn Embraceable You, Susannah Mccorkle Manha De Carnaval, Hank Jones Lament, Jimmy Bruno Estate, Poncho Sanchez A Time For Love, Mary Stallings Dedicated To ..read more »
The theme here is of the sunset, with ambient tunes to match.
Jazzscapes - Music With A View - Into Th...
on DVD
(2003) Starring:Scott Hamilton, Marian McPartland, Stan Getz Certificate:
Bring timeless music into your room - and bring your whole environment to life - with a colourful assortment of complementary, ambiance-creating visual images.
1. Scott Hamilton - Skylark
2. Marian McPartland - Castles In The Sand
3. Peter Cincotti - Sway
4. The Charlie Byrd Trio with Ken ..read more »