By Gerard Cox

While the majority of "Jazz" DVD releases being produced by BET may not appeal to a majority of fans at this site, there is one notable exception: the recently-released Herbie Hancock DVD showing Herbie in pure acoustic mode, no real accommodations made to the audience or to BET for that matter. As such the music, while nothing revolutionary, is often exploratory within it's own context of updating the Gershwin songbook and adapting the straight-ahead Jazz quintet to a more open, spacious approach.

This set was filmed in the BET studio before a live audience while Hancock was in the midst of touring with his "Gershwin Quintet." This was a band he took on the road in 98 to play material from the Gershwin's World record that he had cut for Verve that same year. The band features his fantastic trumpet-playing associate from the Mwandishi/Sextant days- Eddie Henderson, the young Eli Degibri on Tenor, John Benitez on bass, Terri Lyne Carrington on drums, and an (unfortunately) unknown associate on assorted hand percussion.

BET did an excellent job in the production booth on this DVD. The camera angles and special camera effects were unique and stimulating, and placed/timed in such a way as to not be annoying or obtrusive. Furthermore, for those wondering whether this DVD is going to offer an intimate, close-up look at Herbie's "handiwork", the cameras are always in the right place when the fingers start flying, and they don't shy away from them either. Close-ups are excellent in this video for the action at the piano, and this would certainly be a good video for any pianist getting into Herbie's sound (and technique) to check out.

The set of the concert bears worth noting also: repeated light patterns displayed in striking hues of indigo, red, purple, and gold cascade and shift behind the stage. This is not obtrusive either; it is more in the realm of pleasing eye candy that enhances the overall experience. Moreover, with the vivid, sensual colors set against a black background, it seems consistent with the aesthetics of Jazz.

As for the playing- which should hardly an afterthought here; Herbie is often spot-on and while it seems that he noodles at times and tends to linger in one harmonic valley, his soloing is a display of invention and pure pianism that is generally something (and a sight.) to behold. Henderson, meanwhile, adds a typically Milesian flavor with the aid of his Harmon mute in this concert and his stage presence is completely cool, deliberative. DeGibri is a bit of a weak link in the band; this can be expected when everyone else has at least 10 years on him in terms of experience, but more to the point, his Redman-like stylism often falls a bit flat when it shows to be a bit too "hot" for these cool environs. He is clearly talented but may need a little more dues paid before he really seems in the company of cats like Hancock and Henderson. That said, nothing he does detracts from the music to any great extent and the spotlight, moreover, never strays too far from Herbie, whether Herbie is soloing or comping for that matter. And on that note, a true highlight of this show was the intense, but sometimes teasing, and always creative interaction between Hancock and drummer Teri Lyne Carrington.

The only real qualm then this reviewer had was the short shrift paid to the sidemen in Herbie's band- they weren't even mentioned in the credits!! Surely Eddie Henderson was as important to the show's success as the second key grip! This probably belies BET's pop orientation to jazz music more than anything else though; it's the idea that only the leader of a band is who really matters. BET could do themselves a favor and understand which of their DVD releases are more likely to appeal to a traditional jazz audience than a contemporary one. This is clearly up the alley of acoustic jazz fans, and as such anybody who knows traditional jazz fans would know that to keep them happy, you've gotta tell them who the sidemen are! Enough said- this is a fine DVD release by BET and we should all look forward to more fine mainstream dates in the future (BET, are you listening???)

SET LIST: Fascinating Rhythm, St. Louis Blues, Cotton Tail, Blueberry Rhyme, The Man I Love, Here Come Da Honey Man, Cantaloupe Island, One Finger Snap, Maiden Voyage.

RUNNING TIME: 105 minutes

SOUND: DTS Dolby Digital Stereo.