Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll. The Ultimate Collector's Edition - 4 DVD Set

Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll. The Ultimate Collector's Edition - 4 DVD Set
Antonio G. Pereira © 2010 Antonio G. Pereira
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This is nothing short of a masterpiece! http://www.amazon.com/Chuck-Berry-Hail-Rock-Roll/dp/B000F0UTTW Expertly put together, well thought out, and obviously done with a real love and deep respect for the subject; Chuck Berry. How can you think of the United States, American Culture, and not think of Chuck Berry? Impossible!! Director, Writer and Producer Taylor Hackford (Ray, La Bamba, An Officer and A Gentleman), has done one hell of a job. The 4 DVD Set begins with the original theatrically released film, Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll, digitally and beautifully remastered on Disc 1, with superb sound. Disc 2 contains some wonderful rehearsal footage of Chuck Berry jamming with the musicians that would comprise the backing band at the concert; everybody playing their asses off and enjoying themselves while doing it. (One thing which is very clear throughout this set is an obvious genuine friendship between Chuck and Keith Richards.) There is also an hour long documentary, 'The Reluctant Movie Star', in which Taylor Hackford relates the circumstances under which he had to work with Chuck. That is a story in itself, and much of it raises the hair on the back of one's neck, as well as makes you chuckle. Co-producer (along with Taylor Hackford and Chuck Berry) Stephanie Bennett (Producer and Founder of Delilah Films, who made this film, as well as "Endless Harmony" The Beach Boys Story, The Doors: Live In Europe 1968, The Compleat Beatles), discusses her stormy relationship with Chuck Berry during the making of the film. Taylor does some very good, very useful, and very informative introductions before each section on each DVD, to set everything up. Disc 3 begins with, Witnesses To History #1, a frank and fascinating discussion between Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Bo Diddley, about the conditions under which Black Rock Musicians had to work in 1950s America. This is followed by, The Burnt Scrapbook; Chuck reminiscing with Robbie Robertson (formally with The Band), while going through a giant scrapbook of photographs that cover his life and career. And finally on Disc 3 is, Chuckisms; which starts with Taylor Hackford giving examples of Chuck Berry's masterful use of lyrics, especially when singing about that great American favourite, cars. This is immediately followed by Chuck (still talking to Robbie Robertson, who now has an acoustic Folk guitar) discussing his love of poetry; as he begins to recite a gorgeous and deeply moving poem (with Robbie accompanying beautifully on guitar), 'This too shall pass away' by American Newspaper Editor, Poet and Abolitionist Theodre Tilton (This poem is among a collection of beautiful poetry in the final chapter of Chuck Berry's autobiography). Chuck Berry, being the wise sage he is, foresaw that in writing his own story himself, subsequent 'biographies' about him, would automatically be compared to his autobiography; and any shortcomings, ulterior motives, juvenile immaturity, or outright predjudices being masked as 'scholarship', would immediately become apparent. http://www.amazon.com/Chuck-Berry-Autobiography/dp/0517566664 {Here is a link to the poem, which is located in a marvelous Poetry blog: http://intelligenttree.blogspot.com/2007/10/poem-by-theodre-tilton-this-too-shall.html } And finally, we have Disc 4, which begins with, Witnesses To History #2; a massive 3 and a half hour segment of individual interviews with, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, The Everly Brothers, Willie Dixon, Roy Orbison, Sam Phillips and Ahmet Ertegun. This is the crowning jewel of the Box Set. Interviews by Taylor Hackford with a large number of the major Artists, Songwriters and Producers of Rock and Roll, from it's inception in the 1950s. This will bring back memories for those who are old enough to remember, and will be very informative and valuable for those who are just learning about the Roots of American Rock Music, and how it all began. To end the 4 Disc Set, Taylor Hackford does a final Commentary, Taylor Hackford's Final Words; where he talks about his reasons for doing this set, and the aftermath of the movie, Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll. He also talks of his love for Chuck Berry, which is obvious. This is a wonderfully packaged set with a very colourful, almost three dimensional picture of Chuck Berry with his guitar on the cover. I find it rather ironic that Writer Michael Lydon, ended up doing the liner notes to this DVD Set, as he is an example of the type of 'Journalists' that Chuck Berry talks about in detail, in Chapter Twenty, 'Heros and No-Nos', in his book, Chuck Berry: The Autobiography. Published by Harmony Books/New York. And after all these decades, Michael Lydon still doesen't get it. (Read about his 1968 'encounter' with Chuck Berry, out at Berry Park; in Lydon's collection of writings, Rock Folk: portraits from the Rock 'n' Roll pantheon. Published by Delta Books/New York.) Chuck Berry is an American Treasure, and a true reflection of American Culture and everything it represents. In the end, it will be his historical influence that will inform, and Taylor Hackford's 4 Disc Masterpiece will be a major part of that.

http://www.chuckberry.com/

Antonio G. Pereira

Focus - A film adaptation of a novel by Arthur Miller.

Focus - A film adaptation of a novel by Arthur Miller.
Antonio G. Pereira © 2010 Antonio G. Pereira
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Focus http://www.amazon.com/Focus-William-H-Macy/dp/B00005V1XK is a film adaptation of a very powerful and disturbing novel, that was written by the late Playwright Arthur Miller. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/11/theater/newsandfeatures/11cnd-miller.html It tells the story of a small American community, that on the surface appears 'normal', until the underlying 'reality' is slowly revealed. As urgent and relevant now, as it was then. http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2010/11/07/2010-11-07_how_segregation_plagues_bloombergs_new_york_black_white_and_wrong_all_over.html The film stars William H. Macy, Laura Dern, David Paymer and 'Meatloaf' Aday. It appears that Arthur Miller thought long and hard while writing this story. And it's ultimate conclusion shows true American Patriotism at it's best.

Very Highly Recommended Viewing.

For very informative and enlightening additional reading, 'Double Victory: A Multicultural History of America in World War II' by the late History Professor Ronald Takaki. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780316831567.htm
Antonio G. Pereira

The U.S. vs. John Lennon & Instamatic Karma

The U.S. vs. John Lennon & Instamatic Karma
Antonio G. Pereira © 2010 Antonio G. Pereira
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The U.S. vs. John Lennon. This is quite a remarkable and stirring documentary, with historical footage and interviews of people who were there when it happened; in that turbulent time period in American history when in the nation's capitol, thuggery had replaced leadership, and deceit had replaced the truth. Ultimately justice prevailed, and as history will show at a casual glance, most of the crimminals went to jail. The botched Watergate Break-In, and subsequent investigation by two crack Washington Post Reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, combined with the sudden demise of J. Edgar Hoover (who along with his partner Clyde Tolson, had a closetful of secrets) and all hell broke loose. (See the film, 'All The President's Men' www.amazon.com/All-Presidents-Men-Dustin-Hoffman/dp/6304696493 and read the book, 'Official and Confidential: The Secret Life of J. Edgar Hoover', by British Investigative Journalist Anthony Summers www.amazon.com/Official-Confidential-Secret-Edgar-Hoover/dp/0399138005 , to put all of this into perspective.) Lennon's part in this, was that he (along with a long list of other musicians, artists and activists), was a target. {Additionally, you can cross-reference an earlier essay http://observer1984.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html }. This is quite a compelling story, wonderfully, expertly and movingly told. It is a prime example of why we should always remember that "when people do nothing about it, evil thrives". If you're old enough to remember this, or if you're just curious and want to find out what took place and why, this is the film. You'll never forget it.
http://www.theusversusjohnlennon.com/

Instamatic Karma: Photographs of John Lennon by May Pang (Published by St. Martins Press, New York). This book is a collection of photographs by May Pang (a few taken by John Lennon himself), who was an assistant to John and Yoko. The photographs date from the period when John and Yoko took a breather from each other, and concurrently, Richard Nixon's Fifedom began to slowly disintegrate underneath him. Most of these photographs have never been published before, and are beautiful to see. Especially the deeply moving photos of John spending time with his son Julian. Other photos of John with his cats Major and Minor, May Pang, Paul McCartney, Ringo, Mal Evans, Harry Nilsson and others, are really touching; and the pictures of John clowning around are very funny. You also see how busy John was during this time, recording his own material, and working with other artists (the guy loved being in the Recording Studio, and during this time period made recordings with Ringo, Mick Jagger, Harry Nilsson, Elton John and David Bowie). May Pang has done a warm, joyful, and lovely job on this book.
Recommended.
And a Very Happy Birthday To You John Lennon.

Antonio G. Pereira

Abbey Lincoln/Aminata Moseka

Abbey Lincoln/Aminata Moseka
Antonio G. Pereira © 2010 Antonio G. Pereira
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Abbey Lincoln/Aminata Moseka led a remarkable life. www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=8767 Besides being a wonderful Singer, Composer/Lyricist, and Pianist, she was also a gifted Clothes Designer and Painter. As an Actress, she made three striking films. The Girl Can't Help It (which was a groundbreaking 1950s film about the emerging Pop Culture - a favourite of The Beatles, who once took a break from recording The White Album in 1968, to watch it together on the BBC), Nothing But A Man (a gripping and gritty 1960s film about Black survival in the South - with an early Motown Film Soundtrack), and For Love Of Ivy (a marvelously touching and funny love story with title song sung by Shirley Horn {who is mentioned in an earlier posting: www.observer1984.blogspot.com/2008/06/miles-autobiography-miles-and-me.html -Check out Ms. Horn's exquisitely beautiful album, 'Here's To Life' www.amazon.com/Heres-Life-Shirley-Horn/dp/B0000046KM }). Besides this, she also acted in several television dramas. Among them, Mission Impossible. Abbey Lincoln was also a dedicated Civil Rights Activist during the changing landscape of 1960s America. Her powerful recordings with husband, Drummer Max Roach, were a deep reflection of the times. In the 1970s, she traveled to Africa as a guest of the very popular and much loved and admired South African Singer and Anti-Apartheid Activist Miriam Makeba www.panafricannews.blogspot.com/2008/11/africa-world-tributes-paid-to-miriam.html ; and received the name Aminata Moseka. The culmination of this was Ms. Lincoln's album, 'People In Me' (Nippon Phonogram/Inner City Records); a beautiful collection she recorded while on a concert tour of Japan, where she met up with Miles Davis, who was also in Japan, performing with his current ensemble. Some of his band members backed her on the album, and one of the photos on the inside record sleeve, was of Miles and Abbey together in the Recording Studio. Her composition, 'Natas (Playmate)', was just gorgeous; and has remained in the memory as a magical bright spot that is never far away. I think we were blessed to have someone with such magic, talent, intelligence and dedication, sharing the world with us. www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=63053

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiHS8Hf7Tb4

www.youtube.com/watch?v=V29PYK_ztPU&feature=related

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw4B0FKMBwQ&feature=related

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyojoGHtmGs

Bill Dixon - An American Original

Bill Dixon - An American Original
Antonio G. Pereira © 2010 Antonio G. Pereira
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Bill Dixon. Painter, Composer, Arranger, Educator, Author, Pianist, Trumpeter, and one of the key Instigators and Revolutionaries of what we now know as (Post-Bebop) New Music, passed away on June 16th. He left an incredible body of work. www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=58430 , www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/arts/music/20dixon.html

Many years ago, Soul Patrol Digest, a wonderful Arts and Culture Online Magazine, was gracious enough to publish an article I had written about him, 'You Wouldn't Know About Bill Dixon, Unless...': http://www.soul-patrol.com/soulpat/magazine/july03/may.pdf  or https://yumpu.com/en/document/view/16052010/soul-patrol-digest-magazine I always thought that if Bill Dixon and Frank Zappa {Go to the Internet Archive http://www.archive.org  Type http://home.online.no/~corneliu/mother1.htm  into the Wayback Machine Click Browse History Then choose 2015} (both exceptional musicians with brilliant minds), had had the opportunity to meet each other and talk (they were both admirers of the music of Anton Webern), they would have ended up conversing for hours.

Bill Dixon - An American Original

Go to the Internet Archive http://www.archive.org Type http://bill-dixon.com     into the Wayback Machine Click Browse History Then choose 2007.

Antonio G. Pereira

The Coltrane Legacy DVD/John Coltrane Live In '60& '61 & 65 DVD

The Coltrane Legacy DVD/John Coltrane Live In '60 & '61 & '65 DVD
Antonio G. Pereira © 2010 Antonio G. Pereira
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There are two marvelous DVDs that have been made about John Coltrane. The Coltrane Legacy (Video Artists International) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006LPGR?tag=dvdmaailm and John Coltrane Live In '60 & '61 & '65 (Reelin'In The Years Productions) http://www.reelinintheyears.com/
The Coltrane Legacy was produced by Burrill Crohn, the business partner of well known Filmmaker David Chertok http://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/23/obituaries/david-chertok-66-amassed-an-archive-of-rare-jazz-films.html . The Coltrane Legacy DVD (originally released on VHS) contains very rare footage of John Coltrane in performance, and interviews with associates who knew him. The interviews (interspersed with the music at intervals) with Jimmy Cobb (who performed with Coltrane in Miles Davis' band), Reggie Workman and Elvin Jones (who worked with Coltrane when he formed his own ensemble), are fascinating and very informative (and in Elvin Jones' case, very moving); concerning what kind of person John Coltrane was. It's obvious when you hear his colleagues talk about him, that John Coltrane was someone special, and gifted with something beyond the ordinary; as if guided by the hand of a Higher Power, which is why, one suspects, his music touches so deeply. The songs on The Coltrane Legacy are, 'So What', footage from a Television Special of Miles Davis recording his album, Kind Of Blue. 'Everytime We Say Goodbye', The John Coltrane Quartet recorded Live on German Television. This is John Coltrane, Reggie Workman, McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones. 'Impressions' and 'My Favorite Things', footage from the same German Television Program, with the Quartet augmented by Eric Dolphy. 'Afro Blue', 'Impressions' and 'Alabama'. The John Coltrane Quartet a few years later, now consisting of John Coltrane, Jimmy Garrison, McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones. These recordings are from Music Journalist Ralph J. Gleason's PBS series, Jazz Casual; which was produced for PBS in San Francisco. (The entire show, by the way, can be purchased on DVD. Go to The Internet Archive http://www.archive.org  type http://www.jazzcasual.com/onvideo.html  into The Wayback Machine and click, Take Me Back ). The Miles Davis footage is quite stunning, and Gil Evans can be seen conducting the Orchestra, with Miles, Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, and other band members, along with Coltrane, taking their turns soloing. The footage from German Television of The John Coltrane Quartet is wonderful, and you can see the band flowering with Eric Dolphy. Then the footage from Jazz Casual is very exciting, as you see the Quartet in it's prime. (From the glimpses of Ralph J. Gleason, you can tell of his obvious love for the music.) This particular footage is of note, because you see the Quartet performing Coltrane's (at that time) brand new composition, 'Alabama'. (In an interview segment, Elvin Jones explains how the song came about.) Just before thundering into a crescendo on drums, there is a profile of Elvin Jones' face, as he listens to Coltrane's heartbreaking notes of anguish; on the deaths of four little Black Children, killed when their church was bombed by Racists. (Many years later, you can hear Jimi Hendrix play the same kind of anguished notes {this time incorporating rage} in his interpretation of The Star Spangled Banner, at the Woodstock Festival; expressing in music, what America had become. A Battlefield. {See the book, Woodstock Dream by Elliot Landy. Published by teNeues Publishing Group teNeues Verlag GmbH + Co. Kampen, Germany http://www.teneues.com/ .Woodstock Vision by Elliot Landy. Elliot Landy http://www.landyvision.com/ }) The Coltrane Legacy is quite a powerful DVD, and the version of 'Afro Blue', performed on Jazz Casual, is nothing short of Majestic.
John Coltrane Live In '60 & '61 & '65, is the other DVD collection. From the first gorgeous piano introduction by Wynton Kelly of, 'On Green Dolphin Street', where he is joined by Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb, and then John Coltrane, the DVD sails off to a great start. These recordings are from German Television, and Coltrane is backed by Miles Davis' band, whom he was touring with for the last time. Delightfully bluesy and swinging, it's a wonderful performance of the song. Next is a take on 'Walkin' (A recording originally done on the album, Walkin'/The Miles Davis All Stars - Prestige Records. Check the Summer 1985 Japan Swing Journal Miles Davis Special Issue titled: Oh Miles; for the most detailed Record and CD Discography on earth, and with very rare photographs of Miles Davis and members of his bands from the'40s through the'80s, and full colour photographs of Miles relaxing at his home in Malibu and sketching colour artwork.), and the band really starts to cook, and follows it up with a Miles Davis composition, The 52nd Street Theme; named for the string of Jazz Clubs that used to occupy that New York Block, during the 1940s and '50s. And you begin to see the musician's delight in trading solos. A beautiful version of 'Autumn Leaves' is next, and the band is then joined by Stan Getz, for 'Moonlight In Vermont'. (These performances are gorgeous to look at, as well as hear. The cameramen on German Television took great care in filming these performances.) Stan Getz does a delicate and beautiful solo during 'Moonlight'. It's quite fascinating to watch the quick facial exchange between John Coltrane and Stan Getz, as the band completes 'Moonlight In Vermont', and Oscar Peterson replaces Wynton Kelly on the piano stool, and John and Stan both hear Oscar begin to play the first notes of Thelonious Monk's quirky and delightful tune, 'Hackensack'; (written with reference to Rudy Van Gelder's Recording Studio). Here are John Coltrane and Stan Getz, loving every moment of this. Both contemporaries at a crossroads. Shortly after this tour of Europe, Stan Getz went off in a direction of collaborating on Bossa Nova with Brazilian Innovators of the music; including Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luis Bonfa, and especially Joao and Astrud Gilberto. John Coltrane would take his music into a highly Spiritual direction, incorporating Black American Spirituals, African and East Indian music. It was an incredibly productive time for what was termed as 'Jazz' music; which moved to a completely different level, as the stage was set for a new and gloriously fruitful and fateful direction, of what eventually would become known as 'New Music', that would last for many years to come, and interestingly, from which Miles Davis would emerge in the 1970s as a major innovator, once again. (There were those who would disparage Coltrane for moving music in an "ethnic" direction, and would look on as the events of the 1960s would prove differently, as America changed forever; and those who didn't want anything to change musically, socially, culturally, and politically, found themselves smoked out into the open. Coltrane's new composition, 'Alabama', performed on Ralph J. Gleason's, Jazz Casual PBS program, being a prime example of the artist expressing what was wrong and desperately needed to be corrected, and in turn, a harbinger of drastic changes that would come.) 'Everytime We Say Goodbye', 'Impressions', and 'My Favorite Things', which follow, are the same performances of the John Coltrane Quartet with Eric Dolphy, from The Coltrane Legacy DVD; but done with Digital Mastering, so the picture and sound are much clearer. The interviews with Coltrane's band members however, make The Coltrane Legacy DVD as much a treasure as the Coltrane Live in '60 & '61 & '65 DVD. Finally, the performances which end the Coltrane Live DVD are from a 1965 concert in Belgium. We catch John Coltrane playing 'Vigil' (from his album Kulu Se Mama) and soloing in full flight with a frenzy. (Elvin Jones in the moment, delighting in rapturous drumming.) Followed by an exquisitely gorgeous version of 'Naima'. (Coltrane bending notes with a vengence.) And a beautiful version of 'My Favorite Things'. (McCoy Tyner conjuring Middle Eastern chording from his piano during his solo.) Though some of this footage has deteriorated with time and even with Digital Mastering, could only be restored but so much, it is nevertheless exciting to see. The performances leave you breathless, and are the kind Coltrane was noted for, by those who loved his music. It's wonderful that these performances survived. The booklet included with the DVD is full of beautiful photographs. The Forward by Michael Cuscuna (who you might remember from the original Albert Ayler Quartet recordings on Arista-Freedom, The Albert Ayler Septet Village Theatre and Village Vanguard Live Recordings on Impulse Records, and the Limited Edition Releases on Mosaic Records), is informative. The text by Ashley Kahn is passable from a business point of viewing the music therein, but lacking in understanding what took place in this music, and most importantly, 'why'. The final notes by the team at Reelin' In The Years, are quite good, and their dedication to what they are doing, shows.
There are several books about John Coltrane, which make wonderfully informative reading. Chief among them is, Chasin' The Trane by J.C. Thomas. Published by Da Capo Press N.Y. Here you find Coltrane's life in detail, told with the author's masterful and exciting prose; with interviews with just about every major artist, close friend, and relative who knew him. This is a book you can't afford to be without when learning about John Coltrane. Other books of interest are, Coltrane: A biography by Cuthbert Ormond Simpkins, M.D. Published by Herndon House Publishers (Distributed by Lawrence Hill & Company, Westport Conneticut) Dr. Simpkins has written an incredible biography, full of marvelous information, and a treasure of photographs; tracing the life of John Coltrane. John Coltrane by Bill Cole. Published by Schirmer Books (A Division of Macmillan Publishing Co.) The most detailed book with it's emphasis on Coltrane's music and it's creation. As Serious As Your Life: The Story of the New Jazz by Valerie Wilmer. Published by Lawrence Hill & Company, Westport Conneticut. British Music Journalist and Photographer Valerie Wilmer's book covers the developments in Jazz with emphasis on John Coltrane, Albert Ayler, Sun Ra, Earl Cross, Bill Dixon and many others. A wonderful book with a wealth of information, and excellent photographs. The chapter on John Coltrane, alone is worth the price of the book. And finally, Black Nationalism and the Revolution in Music by Frank Kofsky. Published by Pathfinder Press N.Y. There is an extensive section of the book, devoted to John Coltrane, the members of the Quartet, and finishing with a fascinating interview by the author, with John Coltrane himself. Frank Kofsky speaks of Coltrane in a deeply moving retrospective light.

You can find additional coverage and Live footage of John Coltrane, at his website: http://www.johncoltrane.com/

John Coltrane discovered something within music that makes him stand out in much the same way that Jimi Hendrix would later distinguish himself. He was able to tap into not only the spiritual, but combine it with the emotional; and translate it into a universal language that others could understand and feel, which is not an easy thing to do. One has to be a remarkably special human being, to be able to do this. (See the parts of Alice Coltrane's interview with Jazz and Pop magazine from Sept. 1968, cited in Chapter 14 of Dr. C.O. Simpkins' biography, Coltrane, where she discussed John Coltrane's composing techniques.)

We are truly blessed to have this music in our lives.

I shall remember the beauty of John Coltrane's recording of 'Central Park West', and it's effect on me the first time I heard it, for the rest of my life.

Antonio G. Pereira

Jim Marshall

JIM MARSHALL
Antonio G. Pereira © 2010 Antonio G. Pereira
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Recently, Jim Marshall passed away suddenly. He was an extraordinarily gifted Photographer. And there was something about him, as a person, that signaled to his photographic subjects, that 'this photographer', was going to put down for posterity, 'correctly', what needed to be documented.
Whether they were Musicians, Civil Rights Workers, struggling Farmers, or people who were neglected and desperately poor, Jim Marshall photographed it for history, and apparently realized very clearly, how much all of this meant. http://www.samys.com/g/jim_marshall_article2010/2660.html
Just look at the selection on his website: http://www.marshallphoto.com/collection or go to the Internet Archive: http://www.archive.org/ and type http://www.marshallphoto.com/ into the Wayback Machine, and click Take Me Back; to see earlier collections {eg: Jimi Hendrix graciously accepting a flower from a young admirer in Golden Gate Park in 1967, with Mitch Mitchell in the background, understanding what a special moment it was, Hendrix filming a delighted Janis Joplin, and members of Big Brother and The Fugs backstage in Winterland in the Spring of 1968, and Hendrix backstage at Winterland in Oct. of '68 in San Francisco, talking with Black Students, jamming with Taj Mahal, and interacting with Mitch Mitchell, Buddy Miles and Noel Redding.} 'This Photographer', was an unusual human being, touched by something deeply moving and human. He will be greatly missed.

http://www.marshallphoto.com/

Antonio G. Pereira