Calle 54
|
List Price: Our Price: $6.34 You Save: $13.64 (68%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $5.80 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Canada
Movie Reviews of Calle 54
Movie Review: Not just a Latin jazz film, but an awesome jazz movie!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are a fan of Latin jazz, or jazz music in general, you're going to have to make this a mandatory DVD to add to your collection. It is not so much a documentary as it is a showcase for the talent and creativity among Latin jazz musicians. The "documentary" portions are limited to quick glimpses of various musicians talking about their music, what it means to them, or why certain places offer so much inspiration.But then we get to see the music, full-length performances that are beautifully shot and edited. If you enjoy the overall look of the performances on the "Sessions At West 54th" show, you will enjoy this as each of the liver performances were done in the same NYC studio.
There is so much great music to absorb, from Gato Barbieri's big band, to the late Tito Puente showing us why he was always a showmen right up until the end. Chucho Valdes goes to Cuba and talks about his father raising him with the music as a child. Later on, we see his father Bebo perform with a longtime friend. We then see a meeting between Bebo and Chucho, who haven't seen each other in years. When the perform together, you can see a father who loves his son so much, and a son who is very thankful for what his father has given to him. Eliane Elias is here with her trio, but sadly we don't get to hear her sing (or speak for that matter).
The best section of this DVD is where legendary Cuban conga player Patato plays with a group of musicians in front of two dancers, who proceed to tease each other with the music and their interpretive dance. You can sense the tension in the air through the dance, but in time they eventually get what they both want from each other, and everyone is happy.
"Calle 54" is reminiscent of older music films from the 60's, when artists were presented in this manner years before there was ever such a thing as a music video or pay-per-view concerts. The performances are top notch, and it's impossible not to tap your fingers or dance in your seat. This is the side of jazz Ken Burns' sadly overlooked, but one that is very important in jazz's rich history.
Movie Review: The Best Music You'll Ever See
Summary: 5 Stars
At the insistence of a friend, I began watching this movie, thinking I'd sample a little bit here and there (Afro-Cuban music, Salsa, etc. can be loud and repetitious). Forget it. The film is absolutely addictive and intoxicating, building to the kind of musical climax normally associated with a Bach B Minor Mass or a Verdi Requiem or a Strauss Domestic Symphony.Indeed, the film has a "script" along with cinematic-editing virtuosity, but the testimony to the power of both is that from the viewer's perspective the music itself soon becomes the only narrative. I've seen all of the great "jazz" films--Jazz on a Summer's Day, Bird, Round Midnight--and none comes close to offering the rich experience of this film. But this is far more than a unique film about jazz, or Latin jazz, or Latin music. I can't imagine even the most devoted follower of the classical music scene not being captivated by its sounds and images. In fact, if the film has a "star," it's the Steinway piano, which has never been more beautifully filmed and recorded (be sure to view the DVD with a good audio system, minus a sub-woofer). The instrument becomes an Excalibur whose power comes alive only in the most privileged hands (in this case, about 6 different pairs).
Sadly, a film like this would not be made by an American, an irony it shares with Bernard Tavernier's poignant "Round Midnight." No matter. It's an event to be cherished.
Movie Review: SIX Stars!
Summary: 5 Stars
I didn't know exactly what to expect, but after reading the reviews I knew I was in for a little treat. Now, after watching and listening with my wife, the first word that comes to mind is WOW!! I found myself sitting with my mouth open in awe of the music I was hearing! My wife couldn't stop dancing. The musicians that were chosen for this DVD are absolutely and incredibly talented. I have some exposure to Latin music, but was unaware of some of these names. There is another musical world out there! It was a pleasant new discovery for me, and I think it will be my all all-time favorite music DVD. I would highly recommend this DVD. And what an inspiration for the young musicians out there.
It was amazing to watch how fast Chucho Valdés can move his fingers across the keys - and never missed a note. And it was wonderful to experience the duet with his father. Tito Puente is genuinely having fun and is so expressive- always sticking out his tongue, like watching the Michael Jordan of percussion! Michel Camilo is a master. And Gato Barbieri has such style. Eliane Elias's piano playing was a first for me - what a treat!
Movie Review: A revealing journey!
Summary: 5 Stars
Fernando Trueba initiates this heartfelt homage to the Latin American jazz pleasing to a friend who gave him a Paquito de Rivera recording in the early eighties.
And so the picture emerges as a big museum with musical pictures at exhibition. Every artist's introduction is very sober, but effective.
There are several highlights to remark. The emotional encounter between Chucho and Bebo Valdés, for instance playing in two pianos, the astonishing performance of Michel Camilo, the admirable living legend Gato Barbieri, Don Tito Puente, Chano Dominguez and his original performance blending the flamenco and jazz, the magic of Eliane Elias make of this musical document a true reference work for the present and future generations, due the importance of the text and the intimate portrait in which every musician can express and without hindrances, his thoughts and considerations.
A fortunate handshake between a Spanish filmmaker and America and Africa musical expressions.
Fundamental treasure!
Movie Review: this film may complicate your life
Summary: 5 Stars
This was my introduction to Latin jazz, not that a person can truly live without being exposed here and there. But this movie brought the genre into sharper focus and introduced some colorful characters, such as flautist Dave Valentin, and Chucho Valdes, everyone's big piano playing uncle, someone who I'd give just about anything to meet. Michel Camilo, Gato Barbieri, Jerry Gonzalez -- all are familiar now. All of the artists in the film will likely hook you over time, the movie stands up to repeat viewing, an accomplishment in and of itself.
One thing needs to be corrected: a couple reviewers here complain about the commentary track: I can only imagine that somehow their DVD player is selecting the optional commentary track by mistake. Turn it off! There is no excess voiceover on this DVD whatsoever, during all the performances what you get is pure music, identical as in the theatrical release. What is more, the picture quality on this dual layer DVD is outstanding.