The Jazz Icons DVD series, slated for a Sept. 26 release by Reelin' In The Years Productions and TDK Recording Mefdia/Europe, presents archival filmed concerts by the most pivotal, influential jazz artists of the 20th century filmed in Europe from 1957-1978. The greatest legends of jazz are captured in their prime, accompanied by some of the most legendary side musicians of the day. Lost in the vaults of European television studios -- in some cases for nearly 50 years! -- the first nine titles include 60-90 minute performances by Thelonious Monk, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Count Basie, Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Buddy Rich and Chet Baker.
None of the performances has ever been officially released, and, in many cases, the material never broadcast. Performances have been retransferred and remastered from the best-quality original masters, yielding excellent sound and video. Much as last year's phenomenal discovery of the Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall concert, which went on to sell over 200,000 CDs for Blue Note, this series is a major find and treasure to the world of recorded and filmed jazz music.
The Jazz Icons series is produced with the full support and cooperation of the artists or their estates. Each musician on stage is being paid, either directly or through the American Federation of Musicians. The DVDs include a 16-page booklet with an extensive essay written by an established jazz writer and historian, such as Ira Gitler, Michael Cuscuna, Will Friedwald or Rob Bowman, among others.
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