DUKES of Dixieland: Salute to Jelly Roll Morton

One can only revisit the past in spirit, but this videotape makes two imaginary trips possible — to the era of Jelly Roll Morton's music and for live jazz by the Dukes of Dixieland in Mahogany Hall, New Orleans. It's a remarkable production, with a live audience that is responsive but not intrusive, five cameras adeptly positioned in limited space, and sensitive editing to match closeups of players effectively with the music being played. The mixing of scenes from various camera angles is superb. Viewers see the players from front and rear, right and left, high and low. Long, medium and close-up shots blend fluidly into a mosaic of motion that enhances the impact of the music. Those familiar with Mahogany Hall will marvel that the cameras filmed so freely but are virtually invisible in the final edited videotape. It's like instant replays from a ballgame that add views you can't see from the stands. Band members share musical and visual spotlights when featured on various tunes, and their images and fingertips on the instruments fill the screen.