LEGENDS OF JAZZ: Volume One comprises a DVD containing the first four theme-based episodes, bonus interviews with the guest stars, a behind-the- scenes photo gallery, interviews with the producer and host, and a specially mixed audio CD that captures all 12 musical performances included within those episodes.
Later this summer, LEGENDS OF JAZZ: Volumes Two and Three will be released, to be followed in September by a handsomely-packaged boxed set containing all three volumes.
The episodes on Volume One--The Golden Horns with Clark Terry, Roy Hargrove and Chris Botti; The Jazz Singers with Al Jarreau and Kurt Elling; Contemporary Jazz with George Duke, Lee Ritenour and Marcus Miller; and The Altos with David Sanborn and Phil Woods--include such highlights as Jarreau's funky “Cold Duck Time," Sanborn's soulful “Smile," the definitive be-bop of Woods' “Star Eyes," Hargrove's burning take on “Invitation," Clark Terry's classic “Mumbles", and an Elling/Jarreau explosive reading of “Take Five" that starts out sly and insinuative, then launches into the transcendent.
Produced by award-winning producer Larry Rosen for the Chicago-based independent music entertainment company LRSmedia, the much-anticipated series--the first weekly jazz show on network television in 40 years--is hosted by GRAMMY Award-winning composer/pianist Ramsey Lewis and features intimate conversations with and superb performances by some of the world's leading musicians. Rarely-seen historical footage of jazz pioneers kicks off each episode, providing a fitting context for the words and work of the show's living legends and young up-and-comers--many of whom are appearing and/or recording together for the very first time.
The series is produced in multi-camera HDTV and Dolby Surround 5.1 audio, making for a dazzling audiovisual experience--one that's reproduced faithfully and fully on both DVD and CD. Simply put, until “LEGENDS OF JAZZ," music on TV never looked--or sounded--quite so good.
“Showcase," a DVD/CD collection featuring 13 riveting performances selected from throughout the show's 13-episode first season, is currently climbing the jazz charts and garnering stellar reviews--as is the show itself:
“'LEGENDS OF JAZZ' represents a major breakthrough for TV and for jazz." - Chicago Tribune
“The series provides a lot to enjoy." - Washington Post
“A chance to see once-in-a-lifetime collaborations." - USA Today
“The playing sparkles. . . . These fabled personalities light up the joint. The studio stage really feels like a club, and you are there." - Detroit News
LRSmedia has created a 360 media platform to promote its “LEGENDS OF JAZZ" brand. The TV series is accompanied by the “LEGENDS OF JAZZ with Ramsey Lewis" weekly radio show, airing on 60-plus stations; a multi-city “LEGENDS OF JAZZ" live touring package; DVD, CD, and digital and wireless product releases; and the media-rich website www.legendsofjazz.net.
LRSmedia's DVD, CD, digital, and wireless music products are distributed by WEA Corp. In addition, all “LEGENDS OF JAZZ" products are available at major retail outlets as well as online and by phone at 866-JAZZ-LOJ. Digital downloads of performances from the series are available through iTunes, various online sites, and ring tones are available via numerous wireless services.
Current “LEGENDS OF JAZZ" national cross-marketing campaigns include United Airlines in-flight programming (on both domestic and international flights) and sweepstakes and product promotions with Marantz, maker of high-quality home entertainment systems. Digital marketing efforts include podcasts of program highlights, online contests, and a high-profile presence on a variety of websites: recording artists' sites, public television station sites, radio station sites, lifestyle- and music-oriented sites, and more.
About LRSmedia, LLC
LRSmedia, LLC, founded by music-industry veterans Lee Rosenberg, Larry Rosen, and Ramsey Lewis, develops adult-oriented music brands and products, created in multi-camera HDTV and Dolby Surround 5.1 audio. LRSmedia markets its product through a 360 experience including television, national print, nationally syndicated radio, CD and DVD products, online entertainment, news and e-commerce, live concert tours, and educational and community outreach programs. By creating music brands and leveraging interrelated programming to market artists and music under the brand umbrellas, LRSmedia reaches more consumers in a more compelling manner than traditional music companies. At present, LRSmedia brands include “LEGENDS OF JAZZ," “Musical Stars of the Future," and “Soundstage: The Archives" --with more in development.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
