Jazz Icons from the Golden Era - Bix Beiderbecke

Filmed in 1976, this valuable hour-long video matches together some important classic jazz all-stars: cornetist Jimmy McPartland, violinist Joe Venuti, trombonist Spiegle Willcox, the obscure Russ Mussieri (doubling on clarinet and tenor), Dick Cary doubling on alto horn and alto trumpet, pianist Marian McPartland, bassist Major Holley and drummer Cliff Leeman. Although the set was designed as a tribute to cornetist Bix Beiderbecke and Marian McPartland takes a couple of Bix's impressionistic pieces as thoughtful unaccompanied piano solos ("In a Mist" and "Candlelights"), most of the remainder of the music does not have all that much to do with Beiderbecke. In any case, there are a few spirited jams by the full group (Jimmy McPartland sounds fine although Willcox seems out of his league) but the main reason to acquire this film is for the playing of Joe Venuti. The 73-year-old violinist (only two years away from his death) steals the show every time he walks on stage. He is showcased on the ad-lib "Blues at the Top" and a heated "China Boy," and easily takes solo honors on "Royal Garden Blues." A worthwhile acquisition for dixieland and classic jazz fans, and a rare chance to see Joe Venuti stretching out.