Roman Dylag

A documentary portrait of the Kurylewicz Quintet at work in the recording studio, Opus Jazz captures the stop-and-start process of rehearsal before the musicians lock into rhythm and achieve full improvisational flow. Majewski’s film highlights both the discipline and spontaneity of modern jazz in 1960s Poland.

Anita O’Day boasts two wonderful concerts from 1963 and 1970 that present the “jazz singer supreme” in impeccable form. O’Day’s horn-based approach to singing is in full effect throughout both shows including stand-out renditions in each show of audience favorites “Tea For Two” and “Sweet Georgia Brown” (both reprised from her triumphant appearance at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival.) Two wonderful concerts from 1963 and 1970 that present the jazz singer supreme in impeccable form. O'Day's horn-based approach to singing is in full effect throughout both shows including stand-out renditions in each show of audience favorites Tea for Two and Sweet Georgia Brown (both reprised from her triumphant appearance at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival.) This DVD is a fitting testimony to one of jazz music's true originals and shows unequivocally why she is ranked in the top tier of vocalists along with Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday.