By Matthew J. Bellisario 2023
Many have asked what we aim to accomplish by making a film on Jazz music. What can a film contribute to the great legacy of this unique American art form? As in any movie including a documentary, it must illuminate a particular subject matter or story that is of interest to a group of people. If the film tells the story well those who viewed it are usually interested in passing on their experience to others. Most people who have viewed a good movie will go and tell their friends about it. Many may not have heard of the film or even be familiar with the film’s subject matter, but once someone they know recommends it, they also view it. As they say in marketing, nothing is better than word of mouth.
There are several films on Jazz music that have inspired people to learn more about the subject. Ken Burns’ multipart documentary ‘Jazz’ is one of the lengthier film projects to mainly cover early Jazz history. The biographical films on giants such as Charlie Parker (Bird), Thelonious Monk, Ron Carter or John Coltrane are all fine examples of Jazz on film illuminating the lives of popular jazz musicians. Personally I think that these films are relatively easier for a filmmaker to produce since there is a lot of information on these famous giants. There are famous people to interview, there are many photographs and videos of these legends often spanning long periods of time. What is more difficult to produce and for this reason rarely examined in film are the not so well known Jazz musicians who are keeping the Jazz tradition alive on the local scene. There are many fantastic jazz musicians who are little known outside of their locality who are educating younger musicians who may possibly go on to make a name for themselves outside of that locality.
Furthermore, the ground roots element of Jazz in local circles is grossly under appreciated.
‘So You Say You Play Jazz? José Carr’s True Story’ is a movie that emerges out of the local Jazz scene in Birmingham, Al. The film merges the life of Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame trumpet player Daniel 'José' Carr with the history of Jazz of his hometown, Ensley, a neighborhood in west Birmingham. Carr who had attended many years of jam sessions led by his elders, some very accomplished in the jazz world like bassist Cleve Eaton who played with Ramsey Lewis and Count Basie, has now been holding Jazz sessions for around 30 years in an effort to keep Jazz alive by passing on his knowledge to younger players. Our film aims to illustrate the importance of players like Mr. Carr and their mission to pass on their knowledge by offering a unique opportunity to those who attend their live sessions. There is something unique in a live musical setting at a club that cannot be obtained anywhere else. A musician can practice at home, take lessons and even have their friends over to practice with them, but when they get on the stage at jam session, they meet new players. In fact, it is said that bebop was conceived in the free musical exchange of the jam session. Musicians can test their skills on the bandstand, and really learn the jazz language. By learning this musical language they can truly begin to grow as a jazz musician.
For these younger musicians this is an exciting opportunity to learn from their elders and their contemporaries. The live jam session is one of the most intense learning experiences a younger jazz musician can have. Our film offers a unique experience of Jazz music through the life of José Carr and the musicians who accompany him on the bandstand at his live jam sessions. It also highlights Carr’s passion for preserving the experience of live Jazz music for those who love to come and listen. His passion for teaching future generations, and educating the public about the history of Jazz in Birmingham is of great importance, not only for Birmingham, but for jazz enthusiasts everywhere.
Unfortunately, many cities and towns do not have jazz musicians like José who are providing this type of opportunity for younger players or Jazz fans. In addition, in many places there is a lack of venues for jazz musicians to play. Many club owners are not willing to put the effort into having a jazz night once a week. We hope that this film will inspire viewers to join in this critical endeavor to preserve Jazz music for the next generation. Perhaps more venues will be inspired to dedicate an evening a week to jazz music. Last and most important of course is the fan, the avid listener who may have thought that they would never be able to go out to a venue and see jazz on a regular basis. Without the listener the musicians would have no one to play for! By sharing the inspiring story of José Carr we hope to help pass on the jazz tradition to the next generation.
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