00:00
Carrie Smith
Veteran American blues and jazz singer Carrie Smith (1925-2012) was often compared to the legendary Bessie Smith, an artist she greatly admired. She was best known in Europe for her powerful, resonant voice, impeccable timing, and the emotional depth she brought to her songs. Born in Georgia, Carrie Smith began her career singing gospel music and later gained international acclaim as a star of the hit Broadway musical revue “Black and Blue”. In this concert recording from the Ascona New Orleans Jazz Festival, held in late June and early July 1998 at picturesque Lake Maggiore in Ascona, Switzerland, Smith delivers a captivating performance. Backed by a trio led by pianist Bross Townsend, Smith performs jazz standards by Harold Arlen and George and Ira Gershwin, alongside a string of blues classics including "I'm Tore-Down", "Down Home Blues", "Rock Me Baby", and "Back Water Blues".
00:45
Gregory Porter and Metronomy - Paris
In the 1960s, composer Michel Magne transformed the Château d'Hérouville, an 18th-century country house north of Paris and former home of lovers George Sand and Frédéric Chopin, into the first residential recording studio. In addition to its excellent facilities, the complex featured a swimming pool and a beautiful garden, allowing artists to stay for weeks or months at a time. From David Bowie and Iggy Pop to Pink Floyd and Chet Baker, countless stars recorded unforgettable music here until the studio closed in the 1980s. Three decades later, Château d'Hérouville has reopened its doors. This program follows American baritone Gregory Porter as he collaborates with the British electro-pop band Metronomy. The former American football player, who later dedicated himself entirely to music, gives an interview at Hérouville and performs songs including ‘Don't Loose Your Steam’, ‘In Fashion’, and ‘Sunny’. The British band Metronomy contributes songs such as ‘The Look’, ‘Night Owl’, and ‘Mick Slow’. Metronomy consists of Joseph Mount (drums), Oscar Cash (saxophone, keys), and Michael Lovett (keys). Gregory Porter’s own band consists of Lakecia Benjamin (saxophone), Chip Crawford (piano), Jahmal Nichols (bass guitar), and Emanuel Harrold (drums).
01:59
John Coltrane
Explore the music of one of the most influential and innovative saxophonists in jazz history: John Coltrane! Immerse yourself in this collection of remarkable performances from the early 1960s that showcase Coltrane's unparalleled artistry and unique sound during a transformative period in the artist’s career. Recorded in various European cities, Coltrane is seen playing the songs “Autumn Leaves”, “Hackensack”, “My Favorite Things”, “I Want To Talk About You”, “Vigil”, and “Naima”. Tune in and experience why the music of John Coltrane has touched the lives of so many!
02:49
Coleman "Hank" Hawkins: Belgium 1962
Coleman Hawkins: Live in '62 presents two incredible concerts featuring stellar European and American legendary side-musicians including Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison on trumpet and drummer ‘Papa’ Jo Jones. Coleman Hawkins, ‘The Father of Jazz Saxophone,’ demonstrates why he is still considered one of the most important innovators in the history of jazz.
05:06
Mezzoforte - North Sea Jazz
The North Sea Jazz Festival is the largest indoor music festival in the world, known globally as the event where the past, present and future of jazz are featured within three days. Next to a firm base of jazz as the festival’s staple music genre, many others, such as blues, soul, funk, or hip hop, pass by. In 1986, famed Icelandic jazz fusion band Mezzoforte performed for over an hour at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague. Led by founders Fridrik Karlsson on guitar, Eythor Gunnarsson on keyboard, Jóhann Ásmundsson on bass, and newcomer Dave O'Higgins on saxophone, they play a variety of pieces, including their 1982 hit single "Garden Party".
06:29
Dizzy Gillespie, Bebop
Pianist Kenny Barron’s June 27, 2019 appearance at the Alfa Jazz Festival in Ukraine’s Lviv was a celebration of sublime jazz virtuosity. The revered elder statesmen of jazz piano brought his regular working trio of Kiyoshi Kitagawa (bass) and Jonathan Blake (drums), augmented by stellar jazzman Marcus Strickland (tenor saxophone) and young lion Riley Mulherkar (trumpet). Their seamless blend of classic bebop and modern explorations spoke of a deep, emotive connection to each note, captivating the Ukrainian audience with lyrical improvisations during this unforgettable concert.
06:45
Billie Holiday
“God Bless The Child”, “Foolin’ Myself”, and “I Loves You, Porgy”: timeless songs that were made classics by the inimitable Billie Holiday. ‘Lady Day’, as her loyal friend and musical partner Lester Young nicknamed her, was a highly original jazz and pop singer. In a career that spanned most of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, she displayed an uncanny ability to convey emotion through her voice. Her vocals, which were strongly inspired by instrumental jazz, are admired for their deeply personal and intimate sound. This compilation features recordings from the 1950s of Billie Holiday singing a string of her greatest successes. Enjoy this unique footage of one of jazz’s all-time greats!
07:00
Duets II: The Great Performances
Duets II: The Great Performances is a visually stunning video companion to Tony Bennett's history-making #1 album, Duets II. The concert features the full song performances from Tony and today's greatest artists as they were recorded live in the studio. The musical segments are enhanced by insights on the process from Tony and the duet partners, providing an inside look at this landmark album in an unprecedented career. Duets II: The Great Performances is a testament to the artistry and dedication of Tony Bennett, beloved by the performers who sing with him and audiences around the world. Starring Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Natalie Cole, Sheryl Crow, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, Faith Hill, Norah Jones, Lady Gaga, kd lang, John Mayer, Willie Nelson, Alejandro Sanz, Queen Latifah, Carrie Underwood, Amy Winehouse.