The show is now available on DVD from jazzlegends.com and although it's technically challenged, taken from an old kinescope, the content is historic and presents a unique portrait of Lenny as talk show host and Jazz enthusiast.
“Lenny was a catalyst in my own introduction to Jazz," reports Bret “Jazz Video Guy" Primack. “Many of his routines featured references to Jazz musicians and his enthusiasm for the music was contagious. As a baby boomer in the late 50s and early 60s, Lenny was an entry point into an art form and culture that would soon become my life."
Due to the controversial nature of his comedy, Lenny Bruce rarely appeared on television during his brief life. He did recognize its influence and produced his own talk show to prove he could appeal to a wider audience within the boundaries of the medium at the time. In addition to his own “bits" and observations, and a very bizarre interview with a Flea Trainer he knew from Times Square, Lenny's program showcased his amazingly talented friends. And because he wanted to introduce Jazz to a new audience, he tried to present the music with great dignity, and also in imaginative ways, including having musicians improvises to great works of art.
“Every serious fan is a Jazz activist," Primack explains. “My mission, as the Jazz Video Guy, is to save Jazz by the using the internet, and web video in particular, to expand the audience. Last year at this time, I had four thousand video views a day, this month, I'm averaging 10,000 views a day."
For more information contact All About Jazz.
