Reviews (10)

LET'S START IT OFF CLASSY! LET'S START IT OFF SASSY!
For me, after Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington comes Sarah Vaughan, and this testament to her life and career reveals the sassy power she wielded as a performer and as a human being. Highlights include clips from some of her interviews (such as with Dick Cavett), and from some of her live performances--we see her sing "Misty," "After You've Gone," and "Send in the Clowns." More tracks from her sprawling career, however, would have made this production more palpable. At the end of the video, we still feel that there is much left unsaid and untouched about this talented jazz performer. From the sound clips we're given, we don't have much of a sense of Vaughan's vocal range. We need to hear tracks from the "Live From Mr. Kelly's" album; from the superb Copenhagen concert at the Tivoli Gardens in 1963; and from her marvelous work with Count Basie and Ben Webster. There are revealing intimate moments with Vaughan's daughter, Paris (who, with bitterness, it seems, shares with us about her mother's doubts and fears as a performer), and with Vaughan's mother (who humorously unfolds the story of Vaughan's winning the amateur contest at the Apollo Theatre as a teen); as well, we learn the most from Vaughan's musical colleagues, Joe Williams and Roy Haynes, among others (we learn that Sassy could swear like a sailor and loved to drink). This video construction of Vaughan's life, while good, is not excellent. We needed more of Sass's sass. But overall, it is an adequate introduction to a great jazz songstress.

Sarah Is Simply Divine!
Sarah Vaughan-The Divine One. The illustrious career of "Sass" is chronicled in this one hour video featuring interviews with The Divine One herself, family members and professional acquaintances. The interviews offering the more personal, poignant and perceptive perspectives full of professional praise, come from long time accompanying pianist George Gaffney, Billy Eckstine and Joe Williams. Other revealing insights are offered by drummer Roy Haynes and daughter Paris Vaughan.

There are film and video tape excerpts of performances from every decade of her career. The producers and researchers are to be commended for their acquisition of footage of Sarah from the late 40's and early 50's, considering the media focus during those times was otherwise placed. The juxtaposition of interviews offer a sober, cogent journal of this unparalleled vocal talent and her career. We learn that Sarah, although a tremendously talented artist, had insecurities and disappointments relating to her professional accomplishments.

Any lover of her music will be slightly disappointed more time was not spent on extended clips of her performances. What we are shown however, allows the viewer to observe the maturation of a phenomenal voice that is all at once, heartwarming and compelling. Earlier cuts like, "Cherokee," "Over The Rainbow" and "You're Not The Kind," give an ample display of Sarah's musicianship, unique vocal stylings and fluidity. The fabled two and a half octave vocal range is heard in the all too brief opening excerpt of "A Foggy Day In London Town," "Send In The Clowns" and "Once In A While" [Sarah accompanies herself here on piano and more adequately demonstrates her keyboard ability.]

The major bonus to this production is the loving remastering of the musical tracks. The voice, piano, bass and drums are intelligently mixed which allows the music to stand on its own. Even if your VCR is not connected to your stereo set-up, the music still sounds great.

For the record, my favorite female vocalists in order, are, Sarah, Betty Carter and Billie Holliday [although Diana Krall is making inroads!]. Sarah Vaughan-The Divine One, offers a penetrating look at a talent on the genius level that, unfortunately like Billie, Betty and Ella, are lost to us forever. Billy Eckstine spoke for this reviewer when he said, "We all have our favorites [female singers], and she was mine,...but if she wasn't your favorite, I want to know who was."

MY IDOL..MY MENTOR... Sassy Sarah
This DVD retains the life of Sarah in the presence of audiences worldwide. Notice how smooth she appears and how graceful she is as she performs. SMOOTH as fine chocolates and wine! Sass' vocal range is well over the five octaves found on a 88-key piano! What a fine singer Sarah (Sass) Lois Vaughan was. Sass will always be my idol and mentor forever in spirit; she is well missed. And, this DVD highlighting the Divine One's life from start to end is a long-lasting treasure for those (like me) who adored Ms. Sarah Lois Vaughan known also as Sassy Sarah. This is from a fan forever. **Angie**

Great!
Good, solid overview of Sass' professional life, with just enough personal info to give you a sense of who she was as a person and to put her artistry in context. Interesting commentary by some of the key musicians and others who worked with her and knew her best, e.g. Joe Williams, Billy Eckstine, and her daughter Paris Vaughan. A 'must-have' for Sarah Vaughan fans.

Sassy Is The Best Of The Best!
This DVD brings out the quality of Sassy's unmistakeable sound. I had the privlage of spending time with her on the road with Count Basie and his Orchestra. I was fortunate enough to hear her live on many occasions. Sass is the greatest! Don't miss this DVD!!!... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

VERY IMPORTANT
THis is a Great Documentry on The Genius that is Count Basie.He was One Of The Greatest Musicians Ever.His Bands Were always Tight.He was Such A Down Too Earth MAN.Very Essential.

Portrait of a Nice Guy
Don't expect a music video--it's a documentary, and an excellent one, much of it in Basie's own words and those of some of his best sidemen. No serious Basie fan should miss it.

More narration than music.
This is a narration of Basie's life. Too much narration throughout the video and not enough music. There is not one song played from beginning to end completely. ... Read more