When Bruce Lundvall and Michael Cuscuna revived the Blue Note label in 1985 under the parent label EMI Manhattan Records, a reunion concert was held at New York’s Town Hall. The concert brought together some of the most well-known names in jazz, as well as a handful of artists newly signed to the label, on one stage. For well over three hours on the night of 22^nd February, 1985, one jazz legend after another took the stage playing classic tunes from the Blue Note catalog. Many regard this event as the greatest single jazz evening ever.

The film is known for its intimate close – ups of the musicians, showing their subtle signals to each other and acknowledgment of well-played riffs in a three hour capsule shot on 16 mm film.

Even if you're not really into the typical Blue Note recordings, this concert is worthwhile watching or even just listening to each song. With a wide range of artists what you get is a variety which means a lot of different jazz styles. There is some nice hard bop, like Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter and Tony Williams on Cantaloupe Island and the same line-up (add Bobby Hutcherson) on a swinging Recorda-Me. There's some more advanced bop also, like the superb Woody Shaw/Jackie McLean combination  with a rhythm section (McCoy Tyner, Cecil McBee and Jack DeJohnette) on Appointment in Ghana. Kenny Burrell and Grover Washington on Summertime is timeless. Stanley Jordan plays a tasteful and mind-blowing solo jazz/blues piece of Jumpin’ Jack that you could watch again and again. It's fun and full of impossible-looking licks. I particularly love Bobby Hutcherson doing Bouquet which is beautiful and very appealing even if you are listening to it for the first time. Its also worth mentioning Freddy Hubbard's performance of Moanin’ going onto well over 10 minutes. Cecil Taylor finishes this concert with a plus 12 minute solo, who literally is burning the piano with the most amazing performance I have ever seen. His playing of Pontos Cantados is so fast and intense that you'd think he's a Super Human or they mistakenly sped up the video. 

Extra feature include a selection of Francis Wolffs photographs for the label and nice album art work.

Full praise for this DVD is not only for its high jazz content, but the fact that it features all the greats including Herbie Hancock. Besides that, the intimate interplay between musicians is just too good and worth watching.

The All Star concert should appeal to a lot of jazz lovers. It's jazz history and it's a blast. The greatest night in jazz history well documented.. 

The DVD also has a booklet with details about the concert and the song details.

Running time: 121 minutes

Country: USA

Directed by: John Charles Jopson

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira