Gene Krupa Jazz Legend

Starring:Gene Krupa
Studio: Warner Bros Publications
Product Type: DVD

Description

Gene Krupa made the drums a solo instrument, and he remains one of the most famous drummers in history. Rare footage from the 1940's. Featured is an interview with Krupa, commentary from Louis Bellson and narrated by Steve Allen. Bonus DVD Features include: Six never-before-seen performances, Eight additional audio tracks featuring Gene's brilliant performances, Printable drum charts, Internet connectivity.

Customer Reviews:

Gene Krupa Jazz Innovator.......2006-07-15

A person is usually recognized as an innovator if they dramatically change how something is done, or perceived. Gene Krupa no doubt changed the role of the drummer, and how drums were played in the world of music in general and more specifically, the world of jazz. Krupa's unique style, showmanship and dedication to his art transformed the role of the drummer from one of insignificance to solo status, the equal of any other instrumentalist in a band. Gene Krupa, Jazz Legend, is an absolute must have for anyone interested in drumming, great music, or a well done biography of a true jazz giant.

The DVD contains many taped and filmed Krupa performances including a killer version of Sing, Sing, Sing from the 1937 movie, Hollywood Hotel. Krupa's own big band is featured and highlights performances by Krupa, Roy Eldridge and Anita O'Day. Of particular interest were several taped reunion performances from the early 1970s featuring Krupa, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Teddy Wilson and Buddy Rich. These performances marked a period in Krupa's life when illness was taking a toll on his body, but was unable to conquer the man's heart, spirit, and love of his music. Gene Krupa, Jazz Legend also offers additional performances, and a number of audio tracks.

Louis Bellson, a fine drummer in his own right, injects his own personal thoughts on Krupa, as friend, colleague and fellow artist. Adding to the commentary is a fine interview with Krupa himself. Gene noted his own thoughts on drumming, and the influences on his own style which included the contributions of Baby Dodds, and the incredible Chick Webb.

If I had to offer one criticism, it would be that the scope of Krupa's career and contributions probably warranted a slightly longer biographical examination; however this does not significantly detract from this overall fine presentation.

Gene Krupa was a true innovator, but more simply put, he was a man that loved music and performing. He was a rare talent who transcended musical generations, and still has much to offer any lover of music. Have a listen and a look. You won't be disappointed.

Lionel Hampton: Jazz Legend-King of the Vibes

Average customer rating:

Short but oh so sweet

Lionel Hampton: Jazz Legend-King of the Vibes
Starring: Lionel Hampton; Benny Goodman; Gene Krupa; Teddy Wilson; Milt Buckner
Director: Bruce Klauber; Paul Siegel; Rob Wallis
Manufacturer: Hudson Music
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

Music Video & Concerts | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Special Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Benny Goodman - Adventures in the Kingdom of Swing
A Great Day in Harlem

ASIN: B0009OPQ1U
Release Date: 2005-05-01

Customer Reviews:

Short but oh so sweet .......2005-07-28

This is sort of a light documentary overview of Hamp's career with some narrative relating to musical context and history, but not much in the way of personal detail, no interviews with Hamp or any of his contepmoraries, and no DVD extras outside the main program.

What this disc does present, and effectively so, is performance - Hanp's incredible skill, showmanship, and passion for music are front and center. Performances range between 1936 and 1993, and tend to emphasize the uptempo side of Hamp's music. Video and audio quality is generally decent; there appears to have been some effort made to re-master both and present the material as well as reasonably possible. The 1949-1950 era material, some of which is also presented on the "Swinging At His Best" DVD, looks and sounds better on this DVD. The 1936 and 1939 clips with Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman are quite sharp in sound and video. This makes the comparitively poor video condition of some of the 1950s and 1960s clips surprising, but I'd have to conclude that the producers did what was reasonably possible with the source material.

At any rate, as hard as it is to pick favorites from this consistently strong collection, some of those 1950s/60s clips are right up there. Seeing the 1958 clips of a 50 year Hamp mixing it up with Gene Krupa is just amazing - no way those clips could have been left out even if the video is fuzzier and grainer that it should be.

In no way an I any sort of jazz/swing guru, but I sure did enjoy watching this - this DVD is definitely a keeper. Although its a bit short and maybe a bit pricey compared to other music DVDs, I would recommend it as a first purchase of Lionel Hampton music - either CD or DVD. Its also a good introduction to the swing/jazz/big band genre for the non afficionado - it features some of the other greats along with Hamp and its uptempo feel translates well to modern sensibilities (or if you prefer, us rock heads with short attention spans!).

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