Jazz Is My Native Language: Toshiko Akiyoshi; Jazz Shorts; Outside In Sight: The Music Of United Front; Sippie: Sippie Wallace--Blues Singer & Song Writer

These four jazz tapes are well-produced, affordably priced, and would be of interest to the general public. Jazz Is My Native Language is the inspiring story of Toshiko Akiyoshi, long considered the female counterpart to Duke Ellington. In addition to a liberal sampling of her music as performer, conductor, and writer, the film examines her home life and how she juggles the careers of wife, mother, and jazz virtuoso. An excellent film. Jazz Shorts contains four short subjects: "Honky Tonk Bud", a so-so jazz-rap rendition of an urban folktale about a drug pusher; "Daybreak Express", a ride on the subway set to Duke Ellington, with camerawork reminiscent of Koyaanisqatsi (only this short was made in 1958!); "Bird Lives", an animated tribute to Charlie Parker; and a powerhouse performance by Gil Scott-Heron "Is That Jazz?". Outside In Sight interviews members of United Front, a San Francisco based contemporary jazz band, and shows why this quartet has been able to remain together for over a decade. Sippie is the story of Sippie Wallace, a legendary blues singer and contemporary of Bessie Smith. Filmed when she was 83-years old, the film intercuts documentary clips with recent interview comments: Sippie:"...the blues is just about some man who done you wrong. That's all the blues is." All of these would make fine additions to public libraries. Recommended. (Available from: Rhapsody Films, P.O. Box 179, New York, NY 10014).