DUDLEY MOORE TRIO: ‘JAZZ IN OZ’
MARTINE AVENUE: MAP12655 (DVD)
RELEASE DATE: out now
The late Dudley Moore, one of the most fondly-remembered comic talents of his generation, was also a gifted and richly-talented musician. Moore had a deep love of Jazz improvisation, and it this aspect of his talent that is featured on a new DVD and CD release.
This historic performance of the Dudley Moore Trio has never before been available to the general public. Thanks to the generosity of The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, which has licensed it to Martine Avenue Productions, this amazing performance can be seen for the first time since its 1971 television broadcast.
1971 was the first tour of Australia for the Dudley Moore Trio.
This DVD features Dudley in top form doing what he loved best and did so brilliantly – entertaining audiences through music and humour.
In addition to demonstrating his brilliance as a jazz pianist in such numbers as Song for Suzy and Strictly for the Birds, Dudley is seen adopting the familiar character Dud, from his “Pete & Dud” sketches with Peter Cook, during many of the introductions.
Other classics include several brilliant musical parodies dating from the days of Beyond the Fringe. You will see and hear Dudley performing the virtuosic Die Flabbergast, the hysterical Madrigal sung in falsetto, his interpretation of Ravel in La Nuit s’Épanouit, and a truly unique approach to The Swan.
Performing along with Dudley are his two long-time associates in the Dudley Moore Trio – Pete Morgan on bass and Chris Karan on drums. All three would return triumphantly to Australia several times in the following years, but that first tour generates many happy memories. The incredible relaxation and security that the three demonstrate in their artistry is powerfully exhibited in this film.
This DVD/CD set is truly a classic period-piece that must be a part of any Dudley Moore fan’s collection.
Dudley Moore was the founder and president of Martine Avenue Productions. Dudley formed the company, together with his musical and business partner, Rena Fruchter, the company’s CEO, in order to bring his music to the public. It was also his intention that proceeds from the company should be donated to two causes close to his heart – Music For All Seasons, taking the healing power of live music into facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and to children living in shelters for victims of domestic violence; and the Dudley Moore Research Fund for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, an international fund supporting research to find a cure for the condition that took his life at the age of 66 on March 27, 2002.
In Dudley’s memory, Martine Avenue Productions carries on his goals and continues to donate to both charities.
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