Jazz Shots From The East Coast, Vol.1

Jazz Shots from the West Coast, Vol. 1, like other DVDs in this series by EFor Films, compiles excerpts of longer live performances from a number of different television broadcasts. Art Pepper has clearly come under the spell of John Coltrane in the extended workout of "D. Section," where he has a Middle Eastern sound and occasionally mimics Coltrane's soprano sax, but on alto. Chet Baker, who could be extremely uneven from one performance to the next during the last 20 years of his life, is in good form in a breezy setting of "If I Should Lose You." Pianist Phineas Newborn is featured in a trio of selections, highlighted by a dazzling take of "Lush Life." Drummer Shelly Manne's quintet plays John Williams' "The Isolated Pawn" (which is misspelled on both the box and in the video), featuring stunning solos by trumpeter Conte Candoli, tenor saxophonist Richie Kamuca, and pianist Russ Freeman, backed by the leader's subtle percussion. The final track by guitarist Wes Montgomery is taken from a longer broadcast that has been issued in more complete form by Jazz Icons. Montgomery offers a sizzling rendition of his "Jingles" that also spotlights pianist Harold Mabern. The failure to identify most of the supporting musicians is a bit frustrating, but the musical performances are of consistently high quality, as are the video and audio. ~ Ken Dryden|