Rock ‘n Rhythm Collector's Set

This set includes two full-length music revues and one feature film. It's clear that the definition of rock ‘n roll has changed a lot in 60 years, since the artists who appear in The 1955 Rock ‘n Roll Revue play jazz, doo-wop, and R&B, but no rock ‘n roll. A similar mix of genres is featured in Rhythm and Blues Revue. Both 1955 shows take place at Harlem's Apollo Theater and feature host Willie Bryant, along with comedy routines from Nipsey Russell, Mantan Moreland, and others. Backed by their orchestras, Duke Ellington opens The 1955 Rock ‘n Roll Revue with "The Mooche," while Lionel Hampton closes things out with "Jazz Finale." Some of the artists, such as Ellington, return for a second song later in the program. Bryant also does bits with the performers, like tap dancers Coles & Atkins, who reveal a flair for comedy, and Ruth Brown who trades finger snaps with him during "The Tears Keep Tumbling Down." Rhythm and Blues Revue kicks off with Hampton's "Jam Session" and concludes with Count Basie's "He Plays Bass in the Basie Band." The 1956 movie Rock, Rock, Rock exists mostly to showcase DJ Alan Freed and musical performances from big names like Chuck Berry. The threadbare plot finds Tuesday Weld playing Dori, a high school student who frets about the upcoming prom and sings a few songs (Connie Francis provides her singing voice). In 1975, the film made history when John Lennon settled a lawsuit over lines he borrowed for "Come Together" from Berry's song "You Can't Catch Me." Recommended. (K. Fennessy)