motion picture DVD - Jazz at the Philharmonic ' 75

Impresario Norman Granz was known for packaging superb groups of all-stars in his Jazz at the Philharmonic tours and this 1975 concert at the Montreux Jazz Festival is no exception. With a stellar lineup including Clark Terry, Roy Eldridge, Benny Carter, Zoot Sims, Tommy Flanagan, Joe Pass, Keter Betts, and Bobby Durham, the septet opens the performance with a blazing standard, the old chestnut "For You."

Both Eldridge and Terry play superb muted trumpet solos in "Autumn Leaves," sandwiching Carter's always potent alto. The breezy "Sunday" is a welcome addition, with Terry back on flugelhorn, while he also takes top solo honors in "If I Had You." The finale is a rousing take of "I Never Knew." The musicians are obviously enjoying themselves throughout the set, though Durham's drums are a bit too prominent in the audio mix. Well photographed and edited, this is an essential DVD for bop fans. AllMusicGuide