This is such a gem. Also so fucking conflicted because Leon and Al were only there to dance. They were the ones that were on the dance floor yet they weren’t asked to speak on it. Nevertheless the magic is undeniable. The music is speaking through them. The vibe is immaculate.
Yeah, a group of 1960s white people looking at two black men perform while a white guy talks about their history and culture is definitely a recipe for discomfort. I have talked to several dance historians about this over the years and some of them have mentioned that, Yes, it's clearly a product of its time, but it should be noted that the show was also very progressive for its time (it also gave a lot of screen time to other great Black jazz musicians during its run, which they interviewed and who talked for themselves), and Marshall Stearns (the historian speaking) researched jazz dance very in depth and was apparently very respectful about telling the stories of the Black contributions to jazz and jazz dance. It should also be noted that in this show, Al and Leon *did* get to speak a little, which isn't the case in many of the other Stearns/Al/Leon TV show exhibitions. But, yeah, still discomfort. I try to take some comfort in knowing that Al and Leon were happy enough with the arrangement, working with Stearns for many years, and the popularity of Stearn's talks allowing them to get some of their -- and the world's -- greatest jazz dancing on film.
This is such a gem. Also so fucking conflicted because Leon and Al were only there to dance. They were the ones that were on the dance floor yet they weren’t asked to speak on it. Nevertheless the magic is undeniable. The music is speaking through them. The vibe is immaculate.
Maybe they didn't WANT to speak about it, ever thought of that? Plenty of blacks can be heard SPEAKING in these clips.
That's not true. At 12:21 the host asks Leon James to "explain what happens to the psyche" and he has a pretty profound answer.
Yep, the middle aged white guy has to be the expert, right.
What a gem! Thanks for posting it
This is brilliant. Thanks for posting this, Bobby.
what a gem!
this is killer. thanks Bobby
Bruh they had so much swag
Amazing to finally see this with the original sound! Thanks!!
Marshall Stearns wrote the first book I read on jazz dance, way back when!
how classic!!!
Makes you want to dance - History of jazz dances - Al Minns & Leon James.
Direct from the Playboy Penthouse... cool cats all over the place
Very impressive dancing indeed, but it felt a little uncomfortable watching this somehow.
Yes Mike - know what you mean. Would've preferred Al & Leon to speak for themselves at the very least
Yeah, a group of 1960s white people looking at two black men perform while a white guy talks about their history and culture is definitely a recipe for discomfort.
I have talked to several dance historians about this over the years and some of them have mentioned that, Yes, it's clearly a product of its time, but it should be noted that the show was also very progressive for its time (it also gave a lot of screen time to other great Black jazz musicians during its run, which they interviewed and who talked for themselves), and Marshall Stearns (the historian speaking) researched jazz dance very in depth and was apparently very respectful about telling the stories of the Black contributions to jazz and jazz dance. It should also be noted that in this show, Al and Leon *did* get to speak a little, which isn't the case in many of the other Stearns/Al/Leon TV show exhibitions.
But, yeah, still discomfort. I try to take some comfort in knowing that Al and Leon were happy enough with the arrangement, working with Stearns for many years, and the popularity of Stearn's talks allowing them to get some of their -- and the world's -- greatest jazz dancing on film.
Awesome! Original sound, not the UpRock! Thanks for the clip!
Song at the beginning?
I wonder how sarcastic was the last part
Wow.
5:32 7:04 9:55