Search - Anita O'Day: The Life Of A Jazz Singer (Deluxe) on DVD

No stylist quite like Ms O'Day

Ian Muldoon | Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia | 07/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ms O'Day preferred the title "stylist" as opposed to "singer" which I find an interesting distinction. I gather she made the distinction in acknowledgement that she had little vocal range, an ordinary tone, and a strange timbre.

My first significant encounter with her music was post Gene Krupa with the release in 1956 of ANITA by Norman Granz and the best version of HONEYSUCKLE ROSE with its solo bass opening and quartet of trombones closing the final chorus. The whole album though, was and remains, one of her best, and one of the best of any JAZZ singer. And that's where her reputation so superbly lies - as one of the very best JAZZ vocalists ever, and an individual woman who was a great survivor in a very difficult business - that she was embraced by the jazz community including afro american musicians, she got through the heroin journey, she overcame the "canary" prejudice of "girl" singer by her musical brilliance in being accepted rather as another musical INSTRUMENT instead of the "front" for a band.

This documentary - one of the best (musical ones) I've seen which was featured in the 2008 Sydney Film Festival - also reveals her character. Moral strength, modesty, honesty, understanding and self awareness and I guess, joy of music, of living, are her distinguishing characteristics.

PLenty of good music in the film as well!!"

Under-appreciated jazz vocalist!

J | Jersey City, USA | 06/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For a film documentary profile, there's no substitute for substantial footage of the subject him/herself providing their own reflections on his/her life and career. It's great that this documentary captures so much of Anita's own charmingly candid recollections of the ups and downs in her under-appreciated career. An interesting look of the life of a great, great jazz singer."

Won't find it at Redbox or anywhere save Netflix...

Anthony Pierulla | 09/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"But it is worth the price. It covers it all no holds barred.

Story of a great singer/stylist with a dramatic life. Read her book and she for sure was one of a kind and her singing always makes my heart skip and beat faster, love her reditions.

Saw her at the Rainbow Room in '99 and she was well past her prime. Another fan, a girl, and myself asked her if she could sing "Am I Blue" and she said she never heard of it. When we both said it was our favorite she told us to go to the bandstand and sing it ourselves. I was blue after this but after watching the movie I realized I had been O'Dayed by the real thing.

The angels will be hard pressed to keep up with her scat, that is if she made it there but if god loves to swing she is there and doing it her way. Loved her since 1958."

The Epitome of Jazz Embodied in a Female Vocalist

Amy Ketchum | 09/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anita O'Day is the only white female jazz stylist to be ranked up with the greats - Ella, Billie, and Sarah, (and the first female vocalist of Verve Records) so why don't we hear more about her? As a vocalist myself, I feel I may have watched this documentary a little differently than the average viewer and I will say - SHE'S GOT IT. 'IT' being style, class, presence, timbre, quality, and creativity. Her comfort level in the realm of jazz allowed her to fully embody what jazz is and provided the backdrop to improv like no other artist has achieved. She is the greatest.



This video documentary is what the fans have been waiting for packed with interviews, performances, and those who she touched over the years sharing their thoughts of the experiences they had. If you buy the DVD, make sure you buy this version with the book, you will not be sorry! Clippings from O'Days personal scrapbook add a touch of insight into this artists world from fame to drugs and jail to her beautiful outlook on life and enchanting spirit.



My only dislike about this product is during the DVD a few interviews take place but it does not state who the person is or the significance of the person in Anita's life. This does, however, only happen on a few occassions but leaves the viewer guessing. If you have NO IDEA who Anita O'Day is and you can't see yourself spending this much money for the DVD with book, then you can purchase the DVD by itself or I would suggest "Jazz On A Summer's Day" which captures an amazing performance of "Tea for Two" and "Sweet Georgia Brown" from Anita O'Day. I simply cannot say enough about this artist, she is breath taking and will be missed."