In June 2006, for the first time in more than forty years, live jazz music returned to national television with "Legends of Jazz." A new weekly performance series on PBS hosted by jazz great Ramsey Lewis, each show would have a theme ("The American Songbook," "The Piano Masters," "Latin Jazz," etc.) and feature live and uncut musical performances by top artists. And in the span of only a few short epis
odes, "Legends of Jazz" certainly lived up to its name. Appearing together -- some for the first time -- guests included Tony Bennett, Al Jarreau, Keb' Mo', David Sanborn, Chris Botti and Robert Cray.
But I enjoyed every one of these performances, though some more than others. Since I'm not much of a "scat" man, I generally preferred the slower, more moody numbers. Chris Botti's take on the standard "My Funny Valentine" was elegant, even sans vocals, while "Mumbles" turned me into a Clark Terry fan, even though I'd never heard of him before. Jane Monheit gives a lovely vocal performance on "They Can't Take That Away from Me," and then there is Robert Cray, who I just love to watch play, along with Keb' Mo', tearing through "12 Year Old Boy." Loved it. 55 minutes of different jazz artists!
odes, "Legends of Jazz" certainly lived up to its name. Appearing together -- some for the first time -- guests included Tony Bennett, Al Jarreau, Keb' Mo', David Sanborn, Chris Botti and Robert Cray.
But I enjoyed every one of these performances, though some more than others. Since I'm not much of a "scat" man, I generally preferred the slower, more moody numbers. Chris Botti's take on the standard "My Funny Valentine" was elegant, even sans vocals, while "Mumbles" turned me into a Clark Terry fan, even though I'd never heard of him before. Jane Monheit gives a lovely vocal performance on "They Can't Take That Away from Me," and then there is Robert Cray, who I just love to watch play, along with Keb' Mo', tearing through "12 Year Old Boy." Loved it. 55 minutes of different jazz artists!
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