My review was written in June 1990 after watching a Rhapsody Films video cassette.
This jazz video, presenting an all-star but regrettably forgettable 1988 performance with lame commentary supplied by the artists, is strictly for diehard fans.
Main problem is that French director Frank Cassenti has created a taped portrait rather than documented a historic session. Watching these talented players going through the motions is an exercise in killing time that only makes one long for all the lost treasures that were never documented. (Imagine watching Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane gather top jazz adventurers to record "Free Jazz" and "Ascension" 25 years ago.)
Best solos here are by alto man Arthur Blythe and pianist Kirk Lightsey (misspelled as "Kirt" in the credits crawl). Reedman Chico Freeman noodles on soprano sax and bass clarinet (latter is a far cry from the late Eric Dolphy's trailblazing work on the instrument) while Lester Bowie's impassioned trumpet work is more smoke than substance.
Sound recording is adequate, though drummer Don Moye's contributions are undermiked.
This jazz video, presenting an all-star but regrettably forgettable 1988 performance with lame commentary supplied by the artists, is strictly for diehard fans.
Main problem is that French director Frank Cassenti has created a taped portrait rather than documented a historic session. Watching these talented players going through the motions is an exercise in killing time that only makes one long for all the lost treasures that were never documented. (Imagine watching Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane gather top jazz adventurers to record "Free Jazz" and "Ascension" 25 years ago.)
Best solos here are by alto man Arthur Blythe and pianist Kirk Lightsey (misspelled as "Kirt" in the credits crawl). Reedman Chico Freeman noodles on soprano sax and bass clarinet (latter is a far cry from the late Eric Dolphy's trailblazing work on the instrument) while Lester Bowie's impassioned trumpet work is more smoke than substance.
Sound recording is adequate, though drummer Don Moye's contributions are undermiked.