2020 Album Draft- Round 13 Pick 10- Film- Cincinnati Babyhead selects- Ken Burns Jazz.
Being a music/film lover I have watched so many good ones. So what do I choose? ‘The Last Waltz’ and ‘The Kids Are All Right’ are the two I have watched the most. They could have easily been taken to the island but when it comes down to it one film just kept rising to the top. ‘Jazz’
It’s close to twenty hours long and could have been twice that length with the vast amount of music and characters jazz encompasses. I’ll keep this real short. Ken Burns takes us from the beginnings, New Orleans jazz, Dixieland, into swing, big band, Bebop, Avant- garde free jazz, fusion. There are contributions by the people who made the music (Like Winton Marsalis), played it, wrote about it, danced to it, listened to it etc. Keith David has the perfect voice to narrate this story.
This isn’ just a music lesson, it’s a history lesson of a piece of America. Race, cultures, drug abuse, love and a whole lot more. Even if you don’t dig the music you will find the story fascinating. Burns touches on as many of the genres and musicians as he can. The men and woman who made and played this music. Throughout the film Burns keeps us updated on Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington’s journeys. You feel that you really get to know a big piece of these men and what they went through and what they were about. Their impact on the music and culture cannot be underestimated. I cried twice in the film, actually three times. When Billie Holiday, Louis and Duke left us. I still get moved thinking about it.
Throw whatever preconceptions you have about jazz music out and enjoy a great story that celebrates so much about us as people. Something for everyone in this film. Stay cool.
The trailer below will sell it to you.
I know those John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation funds only go so far, but you’re right, it could’ve been twice as long.
I think we would agree that what Burns came up with was pretty good. It never lags. Maybe those “foundations” could come CB’s way for his next project (whatever that is?)
PS Still impressed with your out of the norm pick.
Thanks Cincy.
While I am happy with my selection of A Hard Day’s Night- this one is a great great pick which I didn’t think of- I have watched it every 5 years since it came out- 20 years ago–this was my big introduction to getting into Jazz. Great doc- and great music to go with it.
It sure opens up the doors to some great music.
(I’ll be screening Hard Days soon).
Wow didn’t realize it had been out for 20 years! I will see this series. I also just picked A Hard Day’s Night up from the L and will be watching it sometime this week.
I’ve seen parts of this but never the complete series. I know it has to be great with Ken Burns name on it. I love the music but add the history to it…and that makes it great. Thanks CB for bringing this one up.
It’s a big dose Max but worth the time.
From what little I saw I agree. I’ve watched Baseball and the Civil War doc made by Ken Burns. The man is thorough.
I like his work Max. It’s always a time commitment but there’s always a pay off. You dont feel cheated. I was telling Hans I’m up for a rewatch of Civil War (And a few of the others). He always has great music in his films.
The Civil War series- was really impactful in there being a big growth of interest in the Civil War…. that was 30 years ago which is hard to believe. I don’t know how many times I’ve watched it but I am up for another watch myself. I think the Jazz and Baseball are runners up on Burns but for a single documentary the early one he did on Huey Long is terrific.
Being a sports guy you would like his Jack Johnson one also.
That was a good one.. I will have to take a look and see what he has scheduled for the future.. the country music – vietnam war and national parks ones were also outstanding..
I’m going to do the chronological thing. The ‘Parks’ is one that’s calling me. Common ground on this stuff Hans.
i see next year he has Hemingway and Ali scheduled. He’s an ambitious man.
Those are two interesting subjects. I’d like to see his take on Ali.
He has one for 2027 on stand up comedy…
I saw The Civil War series on PBS when it first came out. Wasn’t that Ken’s first? I also saw the one on the Dust Bowl that was really good.
Burns had been making one shot doc’s up until The Civil War- a one or two hour job- The Civil War was his first epic. Off the top of my head- he did ones in the 80’s on The Statue of LIberty- and the one on Huey Long has long been a favorite of mine.
Good to know.
Have you watched the one on Country music yet?
it’s a big commitment of time to set out to watch, but I bet it would be excellent as you suggest…not only for the music but the changing times it reflects. Burns is a master at that type of documentary.
Knowing you as a lover of music and a bit of its history I think you’d dig it.
Cool pick. I’d like to see it if it’s streaming somewhere convenient.
I think run-sew-read answered your question.
your library might have it to borrow in hard copy or through their streaming service
I have not watched this yet, even though I’ve always intended to. I’m glad for this reminder. I just checked streaming options: PBS.org has the entire series available to stream with their Passport subscription, which I have and love. It’s also available through Amazon Prime with the PBS Documentaries add-on.
You’re in luck, right at your finger tips.
A wonderful and thoughtful pick CB. I’ve seen a few episodes of this, though never the complete series. Ken Burns does a phenomenal job with every subject he’s covered, from the Civil War to National Parks to The Roosevelts to Country Music, all of which I loved watching.
He does such a good job on everything he makes. Entertaining and I pick up so many things I had no idea about. The Vietnam War was a case in point. Talk about an education. Even though I was a jaz guy before this, he brought so much more for me to explore.
CB you chose well here. Never thought of those Ken Burns’ music series or I might have picked the Country Music one. I will be seeing this and in the time of covid and winter there is no better time to see it.
You and me both on hunkering down to watch some Burns work this winter. You asked about the Country doc. Yes I watched it and really liked it. He kinda did the same thing with Haggard and Cash as he did with Ellington and Armstrong. Great stuff.
You certainly got me intrigued, CB. Even though I rarely listen to jazz, this does look quite intriguing.
Christian, being a music lover like you are, you will eat up that part of it along with just the history lesson that is under it all. Fascinating stuff