WHAT’S ON: Friday (1pm) New York Brass Band, Gala Theatre, Durham, 03000-266-600.
DVD REVIEWS: Charles Lloyd/Arrows into Infinity (ECM 378 0649)
Saxophonist Charles Lloyd has had a long and varied career and this DVD, by film maker Jeffery Moore and Lloyd’s wife Dorothy Darr, touches on all the significant parts. The archive film and photographs are superbly combined with contemporary footage and commentary to reveal the man and his music, from his early days with Howling Wolf to his present status as elder statesman.
On the way you see and hear Chico Hamilton, Keith Jarrett, Michel Petrucciani, Bobo Stenson, Geri Allen, Manfred Eicher, Jack DeJohnette and many more in a wonderfully illuminating documentary. ecmrecords.com
Fred Hersch/My Coma Dreams (Palmetto PALM2175)
Jazz pianist/composer Fred Hersch’s slow recovery from a near-fatal, AIDS-related collapse requiring a medically-induced coma is well known. This Jazz Theater piece combines his memories of the vivid dreams he had then with his partner Scott’s account of the real life situation, all linked by some of Fred’s most beautiful and moving music. It’s performed by an 11-piece ensemble including trumpeter Ralph Alessi, reeds player Adam Kolker and a string quartet, with Michael Winther narrating and singing the story which manages to be both disturbing and reassuring. Although intensely personal, there is a strong message here for everyone. treatmentactiongroup.org/mcd
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