Legends — North Sea Jazz Festival, 1997

On 11 July 1997, a supergroup billed as ‘Legends’ came together at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague, Netherlands, one of the world’s major jazz gatherings. The line-up brought together five exceptional musicians: Eric Clapton (guitar, vocals), David Sanborn (saxophone), Joe Sample (keyboards), Marcus Miller (bass) and Steve Gadd (drums). This short-lived project, at the crossroads of blues, jazz-fusion and soul, foregrounds the alchemy of virtuosos accustomed to the biggest stages. Filmed in full, this live capture conveys long instrumental developments, inspired solos and an elegant groove, in which each musician finds room to express himself without ever breaking the cohesion of the whole. This live concert film remains a reference for lovers of 1990s fusion and live jazz, as much for the quality of the performers as for the generosity of the musical exchange. Between covers and improvisations, this full concert by ‘Legends’ at North Sea Jazz illustrates the art of the summit meeting, carried by five legends united for one evening.