Watch Jazz Icons: The Clark Terry Quartet

Jazz enthusiasts who appreciate the history of the genre and love to hear performances from legends of the past should not miss "Jazz Icons: The Clark Terry Quartet." This 2005 release features a rare concert by the Clark Terry Quartet at the Theatre Antique in Vienne, a small town near Lyon, France, in July 1989. Terry, who was then in his early seventies, leads a stellar group that includes pianist James Williams, bassist Marcus McLaurine, and drummer Leon Petties.

The black and white footage begins with the quartet playing an upbeat rendition of "Blues for All" by Williams, showcasing their tight interplay and prodigious solo skills. Terry, sitting in the front row, stands up and waves to the audience before picking up his trumpet and launching into a bluesy melody with a playfulness that belies his age.

From there, the quartet dives into "I Want a Little Girl," a classic blues number that became one of Terry's signature tunes. He sings and scats the opening verse, accompanied only by Petties' brushes, before Williams introduces the main theme. McLaurine's walking bass and Petties' subtle cymbal work provide a solid foundation for Terry's virtuosic improvisations, which range from high-pitched squeals to playful chirps.

The next piece, "Mack the Knife," is a nod to Terry's tenure as a member of the Count Basie Orchestra in the late 1950s. The band swings hard on this classic tune, with Terry's muted trumpet evoking the swagger of the shark-toothed villain in the lyrics. Williams and Terry engage in some playful call-and-response, trading fours and eights with increasing intensity. McLaurine and Petties get their own moments to shine, with McLaurine bowing a soulful solo on his upright and Petties unleashing a flurry of polyrhythmic fills on his kit.

The quartet slows things down for the ballad "Come Sunday," a Duke Ellington composition that Terry revisited many times throughout his career. This rendition is especially poignant, with Terry's lyrical playing and Williams' sensitive accompaniment conveying the spiritual longing of the original lyrics. McLaurine's arco bass adds a mournful quality to the tune, and Petties' hushed brushwork reinforces the reverential mood.

The final two pieces, "There Will Never Be Another You" and "Avalon," pick up the pace and demonstrate Terry's versatility as a musician. "There Will Never Be Another You" is a bebop standard that allows Terry and Williams to show off their lightning-fast chops, while "Avalon" is a raucous Dixieland romp that features Terry scatting and clowning around with his bandmates. McLaurine and Petties lay down a solid boogie-woogie groove that propels the piece forward, and Terry's playful antics (such as blowing into his trumpet case like a jug band player) add to the joyous atmosphere.

Throughout the concert, Terry engages with the audience and his bandmates with a good-natured humor that endears him to all who watch. He cracks jokes, tells stories, and even sings a few bars of "La Vie en Rose" in French. His warmth and charisma shine through his playing, and it's clear that he's having as much fun as the audience is.

Aside from the concert footage, the DVD also includes bonus features such as an interview with Terry, a photo gallery, and liner notes by jazz historian Will Friedwald. The picture and sound quality of the concert footage are excellent, considering the age of the source material, and the editing captures the energy and intimacy of the quartet's performance.

Overall, "Jazz Icons: The Clark Terry Quartet" is a must-have for fans of Terry and anyone who loves classic jazz. The quartet's chemistry and virtuosity are on full display, and the concert captures a moment in time when a living legend was still at the top of his game. Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or just dipping your toes into the genre, this DVD is a fantastic way to experience the magic of a Clark Terry performance.