Jazz Icons: John Coltrane provides an epic 95-minute overview of a true giant of 20th-century music. Three separate shows reveal Coltrane's ascending creative arc from hard bop innovator as a member of the Miles Davis Quartet in 1960 to consummate bandleader in 1961 to unrivalled jazz visionary in 1965. This DVD not only features Trane's classic quartet with Elvin Jones (drums), Jimmy Garrison (bass) and McCoy Tyner (piano), but also spotlights him onstage with other jazz legends including Stan Getz, Eric Dolphy and Oscar Peterson. Includes mind-blowing versions of his signature tunes 'My Favorite Things' and 'Impressions'. watch
Jazz Icons: Dexter Gordon features three concerts filmed in 1963 and 1964 in Holland, Switzerland and Belgium that highlight the bebop legend's classic style and silky tone. Filmed while Dexter was living in Europe, these shows feature legendary side musicians such as Art Taylor (drums) and Kenny Drew (piano) and jazz classics 'Blues Walk', 'A Night In Tunisia', 'Body And Soul' and others. One of the most influential saxophonists in jazz history (both John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins claim him as an influence), Dexter Gordon is captured in sharp form and style on this 70-minute tour de force. watch
First, David Birdsell, professor of public affairs at Baruch College, speaks about the decision by The Commission on Presidential Debate to deem Ross Perot ineligible to participate with Bill Clinton and Bob Dole in the presidential debates. Then, lawyers Rikki Lieman, and Martin Garbus and Anthony Thompson, assistant law professor at NYU Law School, discuss the O. J. Simpson civil trial and contrast it with Simpson's criminal case. After, acclaimed writer Joan Didion talks about her new book, The Last Thing He Wanted, a political thriller that combines doomed romance and international intrigue. Finally, Charlie speaks with Jazz Bassist Charlie Haden, who has played on more than 400 albums with artists including John Coltrane. Haden talks about his career and performs a song from his new release, Now Is the Hour. watch
