For this “Evening of Jazz” aboard the S.S. Norway in 1993, bandleader/percussionist Tito Puente shares the bill with actress/vocalist Della Reese, both appearing on behalf of the Charlie Parker Memorial Foundation Lifetime Achievement Awards, but playing separate sets. Puente's Latin Jazz All-Stars—piano, bass, saxophone, trumpet, slide trombone, flute, and two additional percussionists (the closing credits neglect to cite them by name)—present three numbers, including the well-known “Oye Como Va.” Throughout the performance, Puente stands while hitting cymbals and timbales, scatting, and dancing. For her part, Reese sings jazz standards, including a Cole Porter medley (“You Do Something to Me,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “What Is This Thing Called Love,” and “Just One of Those Things”), with tasteful backing from a trio of piano, bass, and drums (guest Clark Terry adds trumpet to “Any Way You Look at It, Ain't That Still Called the Blues”). Resplendent in shades of purple and fuchsia, Reese appears in more of a nightclub setting (the venue may be the same, but the room is darker). Although she doesn't have much of a range, Reese uses her charisma and acting skills to deliver the lyrics effectively. Unfortunately, not much can be said in favor of the amateurish camerawork, which is marked by abrupt zooms, focus delays, and unsteadiness, although the LPCM stereo soundtrack is solid. A strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)
An Evening with Tito Puente and Della Reese
(1993) 52 min. DVD: $19.99. Kultur International Films (avail. from most distributors). ISBN: 978-0-7697-9030-5. Volume 26, Issue 2
An Evening with Tito Puente and Della Reese
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