Jazz on a Summer's Day (1959)

[McCrutchy]

A new 4K master of Aram Avakian and Bert Stern's concert film Jazz on a Summer's Day (1959) will be coming soon to Blu-ray.

Theatrical re-release trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWS1tt3ydV8

[McCrutchy]

This looks awesome, so I thought it deserved its own thread immediately. I don't know if Kino is releasing the Blu-ray, but I hope they can release it soon.

One thing that worries me is that the trailer has been slightly windowboxed. I hope that wasn't done simply to remove rounded corners. If so, perhaps Kino could make sure the entire remastered frame is present on the Blu-ray, as opposed to cropping or windowboxing it.

[amputd]

Yes, yes, and yes! One of my most wanted titles. This is going to look incredible in hi def

[Torgon]

Interesting. Never seen it, but do love some jazz. I might be picking this up in my future.

[evilive]

Absolute Day 1.

[jkoffman]

Probably my favorite music film and it's going to look incredible after an upgrade! It's been in and out of print on DVD for ages now and quite forgotten in the U.S. I'm so ready for this!

[inconsistentluddite]

I absolutely love classic concert films and have seen almost all of the major, great ones (with the exception of "Festival!" on Criterion-- I still need to get to that one), and for me, "Jazz On A Summer's Day" beats them all!

I'm so happy that this incredible musical/cultural document, filled with amazing performances from some of the greatest jazz artists, and wonderful footage of the festival attendees, is finally getting a U.S. Blu-ray release, and it will be a 4K remaster from Kino, too, a company which I am always happy to support with another purchase! This is a "bucket list" Blu-ray for me!

[amputd]

Originally Posted by inconsistentluddite

I absolutely love classic concert films and have seen almost all of the major, great ones (with the exception of "Festival!" on Criterion-- I still need to get to that one), and for me, "Jazz On A Summer's Day" beats them all!

I'm so happy that this incredible musical/cultural document, filled with amazing performances from some of the greatest jazz artists, and wonderful footage of the festival attendees, is finally getting a U.S. Blu-ray release, and it will be a 4K remaster from Kino, too, a company which I am always happy to support with another purchase! This is a "bucket list" Blu-ray for me!

Couldn’t have said it better. Could be the release of the year!

[BluVinyl]

Anyone seen a song list for this? I did some searching a few weeks ago. With the amount of artist listed and length of the film, I was assuming 1 or 2 songs per artist. I would love to see more classic Jazz released on BD. Really would like to some of my Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Billie Holiday DVDs rereleased.

[BluVinyl]

$19.89 on Amazon. I didn't think it would drop this fast. https://www.amazon.com/Jazz-on-a-Sum...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[Jazzmonkie]

Originally Posted by BluVinyl

$19.89 on Amazon. I didn't think it would drop this fast. https://www.amazon.com/Jazz-on-a-Sum...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I'll bet Kino will offer it for less or the same price plus they don't charge sales tax. I've been a fan of this since I saw it at my college in the early '70's. I'll be able to retire my DVD.

[BluVinyl]

Originally Posted by Jazzmonkie

I'll bet Kino will offer it for less or the same price plus they don't charge sales tax. I've been a fan of this since I saw it at my college in the early '70's. I'll be able to retire my DVD.

Thanks, I don't have to get it day one but will check Kino as well as Amazon. Since you have the DVD, is it pretty much one or two songs for each artist? I couldn't find a set list.

[inconsistentluddite]

Originally Posted by BluVinyl

Anyone seen a song list for this? I did some searching a few weeks ago. With the amount of artist listed and length of the film, I was assuming 1 or 2 songs per artist. I would love to see more classic Jazz released on BD. Really would like to some of my Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Billie Holiday DVDs rereleased.

About the amount of songs, it varies from one artist to another in this film. All of the performances are very much worth hearing/seeing (and I'm not being hyperbolic here-- this is definitely one of the greatest concert films of all time, and for me, personally, it's the best, and my personal favorite), but unfortunately, some of the greatest jazz artists, such as Thelonius Monk, are only featured for one song, while other, also great, artists, such as Mahalia Jackson, are given much more screen time with more performances. Ultimately, I don't think that anyone is featured for more than three or four songs though. The music is so good, and the atmosphere is so enjoyable, that I would have been very happy if the film had been an hour or more longer than it is, but even at its relatively short running time, it's a must-see and a must-hear! I am with you on wanting much more classic jazz on BD!

[jkoffman]

Originally Posted by BluVinyl

Anyone seen a song list for this? I did some searching a few weeks ago. With the amount of artist listed and length of the film, I was assuming 1 or 2 songs per artist. I would love to see more classic Jazz released on BD. Really would like to some of my Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Billie Holiday DVDs rereleased.

This is probably my favorite concert film and I've been waiting forever for it to be upgraded and reissued. Finally seeing it remastered is going to make my year!

1 –Jimmy Giuffre Train And The River
2 –Thelonious Monk Blue Monk
3 –Sonny Stitt Loose Walk
4 –Chico Hamilton Blue Sands
5 –Anita O'Day Sweet Georgia Brown
6 –Anita O'Day Tea For Two
7 –George Shearing Rondo
8 –Dinah Washington All Of Me
9 –Gerry Mulligan Catch As Catch Can
10 –Big Maybelle I Ain't Mad At You
11 –Chuck Berry Sweet Little Sixteen
12 –Louis Armstrong Up A Lazy River
13 –Louis Armstrong Tiger Rag
14 –Louis Armstrong Rockin' Chair
15 –Louis Armstrong When The Saints Go Marching In
16 –Mahalia Jackson Walk All Over God's Heaven
17 –Mahalia Jackson Didn't It Rain
18 –Mahalia Jackson The Lord's Prayer

Soundtrack from Jazz on a Summer's Day recorded Live at the Newport Jazz Festival July 3-6 1958

[LRSIII]

Although I pre-ordered (as a Prime member) a copy of this from Amazon as soon as they made pre-orders available, I received an email this morning from Amazon indicating delivery between February 11 and March 4. Hoping I'll get it on February 11, but I've been waiting for this release for so long that it would not break my heart if I didn't get it until March 4. Maybe delivery is faster if you buy it directly from Kino.

[jkoffman]

Originally Posted by LRSIII

Although I pre-ordered (as a Prime member) a copy of this from Amazon as soon as they made pre-orders available, I received an email this morning from Amazon indicating delivery between February 11 and March 4. Hoping I'll get it on February 11, but I've been waiting for this release for so long that it would not break my heart if I didn't get it until March 4. Maybe delivery is faster if you buy it directly from Kino.

Same. I'm actually padding my Kino order now to get free shipping.

[AreaFive]

Originally Posted by jkoffman

This is probably my favorite concert film and I've been waiting forever for it to be upgraded and reissued. Finally seeing it remastered is going to make my year!

This is definitely a masterpiece. In addition to the phenomenal performances, it offers a fascinating view into the period and people of its time. I find that one of the greatest things about this film is that the attendees are often as interesting as the performers. It's an absolute gem and I can't wait to revisit it.

[bigshot]

Another live music movie that has the same feeling of time and place is Bluegrass Country Soul. It feels like you're there. That film has been restored in a deluxe edition, but it is only available directly. https://bluegrasscountrysoul.com

[inconsistentluddite]

Originally Posted by AreaFive

This is definitely a masterpiece. In addition to the phenomenal performances, it offers a fascinating view into the period and people of its time. I find that one of the greatest things about this film is that the attendees are often as interesting as the performers. It's an absolute gem and I can't wait to revisit it.

I agree with you on all counts. I could not be happier about Kino reissuing this film, and in remastered form with bonus features too! My favorite concert film (and I love so, so many!) finally has a U.S. Blu-ray release, and in what looks to be its definitive edition!

[John Earls Umbrella]

The period and people of its time - better times? Not in all respects but I’d say yes overall.