On the Road with Fred

BRANFORD MARSALIS QUARTET
JOHN COLTRANE'S A LOVE SUPREME LIVE IN AMSTERDAM DVD

For his own label's second DVD release, Branford Marsalis captured a complete performance of John Coltrane's 1964 masterpiece A Love Supreme. Coltrane's original recording is considered by many to be the consummate moment of his quartet's career. This legendary suite, which remains Coltrane's best selling album of all time, was performed by Branford and his quartet during the band's March 2003 European tour at Amsterdam's Bimhuis, a club that is regarded as the center for jazz in Europe since it opened in 1973, and a place that is "all about the music."

Pierre Lamoureux, a filmmaker best known for his work on musical specials, including the Emmy-winning Harry Connick, Jr. PBS special, "Only You in Concert," was on hand to record this scintillating live performance. The results are truly stunning, both musically and visually.

As a bonus to the live performance, the DVD also features several extras, including interviews with Marsalis and all four members of his quarter, as well as discussions with fellow saxophonists Michael Brecker, Miguel Zenon, David Sanchez, and Ned Goold, all of whom reflect upon the inspiration and the challenges presented by performing Coltrane's classic masterpiece.

Branford is also joined on the DVD by Coltrane's widow, Alice, for a rare 30-minute interview. An audio-only CD of the performance, only available with the DVD, is included in this special two disc package. A Love Supreme, Live in Amsterdam is a must have for all fans of both Marsalis and Coltrane. The package also makes an excellent introduction for novice jazz fans, a true masterpiece from two of the genre's renowned masters.

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