The Jazz Legends DVD series—thirteen in all—focuses on just that: legends. Davis. Byrd. Gillespie. McCann. Tyner. A brightly lit neon etcetera sign should do, right about now. This second volume features performances from the late-60's through the early-80's by tenor saxophonist Arnett Cobb, guitarist Charlie Byrd, and pianists Ben Sidran and Les McCann. The Texan Cobb's familiar, expressive style receives nine minutes on this forum; fans of his know what to expect—if you're not one, these two won't convert you, but the shorter version of "Bag's Groove" on here is very nice. His finger-picking technique nothing short of exquisite, Byrd struts his way through Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz" and Antonio Jobim's "Wave" and "Someone To Light Up My Life"—Byrd is truly a maestro of the fretboard. The inclusion of Steve Miller collaborator Sidran might be iffy to some. Sidran co-penned Miller's hit "Space Cowboy," and fare like "Mitsubishi Boy" is more of a pop tune than jazz, not exactly in the same league as Byrd or McCann, content-wise—nice keyboard solo, though (not by Sidran, but his synth wingman). Miller fills the guitarist role on here, too. The final track on the DVD is a long twelve-minute romp with a little bit o' funk by Les McCann and the Magic Band: "Someday We'll Meet Again." McCann's fingers are strong as steel ingots, and you can feel the pressure during the preliminary improv segment. As the Magic saxophonist "sweats" his way through an extended multi-part solo, the heat from the stage lights crosses over from the small screen. For jazz aficionados and those who just plain like darned good music, the inexpensive (if short on playtime and extras) Legends collection ought to find its way onto many a shelf.
Tracklist:
— Arnett Cobb —
1. The Nearness Of You 4.08
2. Bags Groove 5.00
— Charlie Byrd —
3. Jitterbug Waltz 5.54
4. Wave 3.36
5. Someone To Light Up My Life 5.00
— Ben Sidran —
6. Mitsubishi Boy 5.59
7. On The Cool Side 5.10
— Les McCann —
8. Someday We'll Meet Again 12.40
Total time – 74:15
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