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Search - Mel Bay presents Howard Alden: Live at the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe on DVD


Mel Bay presents Howard Alden: Live at the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe
Mel Bay presents Howard Alden Live at the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe
Genres: Music Video & Concerts
G     2006     1hr 44min

Widely heralded as one of the finest of a new generation of jazz guitarists, Howard Alden demonstrates his musical depth and instrumental mastery on this concert DVD recorded at the Smithsonian Jazz Café in W...  more »

     
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Movie Details

Genres: Music Video & Concerts
Sub-Genres: Pop, Jazz
Studio: Mel Bay Records
Format: DVD - Color
DVD Release Date: 09/19/2006
Original Release Date: 01/01/2006
Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/2006
Release Year: 2006
Run Time: 1hr 44min
Screens: Color
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Total Copies: 0
Members Wishing: 1
MPAA Rating: G (General Audience)
Languages: English

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Movie Reviews

Howard Alden at Smithsonian
Gene Floersch | Melbourne Beach, FL United States | 12/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is an excellent opportunity to watch Howard work his Benedetto 7-string guitar through an impressive collection of jazz tunes, including a few from Woody Allen's film "Sweet and Lowdown". The cut of Howard playing a solo rendition of Django Rheinhardt's "Tears" will make any guitar player cry in their beer, the dude truly has magic fingers. I recommend this DVD to anyone who loves jazz guitar and especially to guitar players who want to see a master of strum technique close up."
Howard Alden, Master of the Seven-String Guitar
Michael C. Harris | Moorpark, Ca USA | 01/19/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This fine DVD presents jazz guitarist Howard Alden in a trio setting at the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe (in Washington, DC). The performance consists of a mixture of solo and ensemble pieces. Some of the ensemble pieces feature solo introductions. The pieces are jazz standards, but played with outstanding originality and harmonic inventiveness.



I recommend this DVD to anyone with an interest in jazz guitar, especially those intrigued, as I am, by the seven-string. Mr. Alden's monster technique truly illustrates what the instrument is all about, whether playing a tribute to George Van Eps or laying down blistering solos. His solos are noteworthy in that they combine the expected single-string work with chordal elements in unexpected and highly effective ways. The DVD is musically outstanding.



What to be aware of: The videography is not up to the musical standard Mr. Alden sets. Transitions from color to black and white and back are overused. A woman who is apparently Mr. Alden's wife sings on a couple of tunes. Her talent is not in the same class as Mr. Alden's and the DVD would not have suffered without her. Despite those minor shortcomings, I highly recommend this opportunity to see a master at work for an extremely reasonable price."