The New Morning jazz club in Paris has become something of an institiution since it opened in 1981. This four-hour 2-DVD retrospective commemorates the first quarter-century in the colourful life of this musical landmark. With the selection of artists designed to illustrate the breadth of talent that has graced the New Morning stage over the years, each DVD incorporates a series of introductions and interviews hosted by drummer Alvin Queen and Cameroonian sax colossus Manu DiBango.
Disc One documents the years 1994-2001, with Disc Two continuing the story up to 2005. The 25 artists range from Archie Shepp and Joe Lovano to Billy Cobham and Larry Coryell.
Special mention must go to the performances from Bob Berg, Monty Alexander, master conguero Ray Barretto, John Hammond, The Willie DeVille Acoustic Trio and, arguably the double-DVD’s defining moments, the Lou Donaldson Quartet’s masterful take on Laura, Ray Brown Trio & Art Farmer’s In A Sentimental Mood, Gil Scott-Heron’s Three Miles Down and long-serving Miles Davis drummer Al Foster’s showstopping revisitation of MilesDavis’ Jean-Pierre. Bon anniversaire, and here’s to the next 25 years!
