ALBERTA HUNTER: My Castle's Rockin'
by Stuart Goldman
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Alberta Hunter, Barney Joesphson, Billy Taylor, Chris Albertson, John HammondDirector: Stuart Goldman
Brand: VIE
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, HiFi Sound, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 57 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2001-10-30
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: V.I.E.W. Video
Movie Reviews of ALBERTA HUNTER: My Castle's Rockin'
Movie Review: Beautiful documentary - a portrait of a jazz/blues lady
Summary: 5 Stars
This magnificent documentary includes several electrifying live performances from Alberta Hunter's glorious comeback years, hints and clips from her past performances, very nice interviews (among others, Alberta herself, John Hammond...), clear and concise picture of Hunter's extremely interesting and rich life, plus 4 audio bonus tracks - one on the main menu, 3 in the 3 pages of her biography...
When I listen to Hunter I sometimes try to step back and analyze just how much of enjoyment comes from the sounds she produces and how much I'm smitten by her vitality and sheer joy of living (as one of the songs says, "I'm having a good time, please don't blame me...")...
The verdict is probably that she is still and impressive singer even in her last years but even if I'm just a starry-eyed fan, so be it. I enjoy the album "Amtrak Blues" (produced by Hammond) and I enjoy this documentary which includes live performances of quite a few songs from that album, with Gerald Cook, as on "Amtrak blues" album very convincing in her accompaniment...
The documentary is directed by Stuart Goldman and written by Chris Albertson.
If this recession doesn't hit me too hard (it's just started to be felt fully in my country) I might add some more of Hunter's CDs and DVDs to my collection of jazz (and blues)....
Summary of ALBERTA HUNTER: My Castle's Rockin'
An American Film Festival Winner, this performance documentary DVD, Alberta Hunter: My Castle's Rockin', explores the life, times, and music of a Blues and Jazz pioneer, singer Alberta Hunter. Complete with a full-length concert live from the Cookery in Greenwich Village, as well as rare vintage footage and interviews, this DVD captures the spirit of the 'Jazz Age,' while simultaneously showcasing Alberta Hunter's timeless vocals and music. Narrated by renowned pianist Billy Taylor, and with appearances Jazz Impresario Barney Joesphson and Record Producers such as Chris Albertson and John Hammond, this DVD features the music of her friends Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, King Oliver, Paul Robeson and Fats Waller, among others.After achieving success for over 40 years with starring roles on Broadway, international tours, and more than a dozen hits, including Downhearted Blues, which became Bessie Smith's biggest hit in 1923, Alberta left show business at age 62 to become a nurse. Twenty years later, she was forced to retire. Still full of energy, and known for her independent spirit and often naughty lyrics, she returned to singing with a critically acclaimed comeback, making her more popular then in her heyday.
For this important film, Alberta opened her personal archives to Producer / Director Stuart Goldman, sharing materials never seen before in public and giving her last filmed interview prior to her death at age 89. Featuring her own provocative and witty performances, this DVD is a wonderful and fitting tribute, preserving the iconic legacy of an American original, Alberta Hunter.
Selections include:
1. My Castle's Rockin'
2. Two-Fisted Double-Jointed Rough and Ready Man
3. Darktown Strutters Ball
4. Downhearted Blues
5. I've Got a Mind to Ramble
6. Black Shadows
7. I'm Havin' a Good Time
8. Handy Man
9. You're Welcome to Come Home
10. The Love I Have For You
DVD BONUS FEATURES:
Alberta Hunter Biography
Four Bonus Audio Tracks
Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Digitally Mastered Audio & Video
Instant Access to Songs
This engaging documentary captures the legendary blues vocalist and Broadway and film star Alberta Hunter (1895-1984) with a small combo at The Cookery in New York's Greenwich Village in the early 1980s. This performance was taped during her "comeback," which she launched at 82 after her 20-year retirement from show business to become a registered nurse. Hunter's urbane, no-nonsense, and quick-as-a-wit stage demeanor is full of down-home double entendre. She revisits many of her classic jazz standbys, including "Darktown Strutters Ball," the naughty "Handy Man," and the bouncy title track. Narrated by jazz pianist/educator Billy Taylor, My Castle's Rockin' also features interview clips and archival photographs detailing Hunter's childhood in Memphis and Chicago, the Harlem Renaissance, Paul Robeson, and her work overseas. Alberta Hunter is proof positive that good jazz, like fine wine, gets better with age. --Eugene Holley Jr.
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