Documentary films about jazz music and musicians

Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way

Film Age rating: n/a Year: 2010 IMDB Rating: 8.1

A chronological look at the life and career of jazz musician, composer, and performer Dave Brubeck (1920-2012 ), presented through contemporary interviews, archival footage of interviews and performan...

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Jaco

Film Age rating: 15 Year: 2015 IMDB Rating: 7.6

The story of Jaco Pastorius, a self-taught, larger-than-life musician who single-handedly changed the course of modern music by redefining the sound and the role of the electric bass guitar. Never-bef...

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Tradition is a Temple: The Modern Masters of New Orleans

Film Age rating: n/a Year: 2013 IMDB Rating: 7.5

Tradition is a Temple explores New Orleans' unique musical culture and the fragility of tradition in the modern world.

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Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool

Film Age rating: 11 Year: 2019 IMDB Rating: 7.4

A visionary, innovator, and originator who defied categorization and embodied the word cool—a foray into the life and career of musical and cultural icon Miles Davis.

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Listening to Kenny G

Film Age rating: n/a Year: 2021 IMDB Rating: 7.4

A humorous but incisive look at the saxophonist Kenny G, the best-selling instrumental artist of all time, and quite possibly one of the most famous living musicians.

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I Called Him Morgan

Film Age rating: 11 Year: 2016 IMDB Rating: 7.3

Part jazz history, part true-crime tale, Kasper Collin’s new documentary employs extensive archival footage and new interviews to tell the tragic story of the magnificently talented trumpeter Lee Morg...

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Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise

Film Age rating: n/a Year: 1980 IMDB Rating: 7.2

Robert Mugge filmed jazz great Sun Ra on location in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. between 1978 and 1980. The resulting 60-minute film includes multiple public and private performances...

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Finding Fela

Film Age rating: 12 Year: 2014 IMDB Rating: 7.1

Fela Anikulapo Kuti created the musical movement Afrobeat and used it as a political forum to oppose the Nigerian dictatorship and advocate for the rights of oppressed people. This is the story of his...

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Oscar Peterson: Black + White

Film Age rating: n/a Year: 2021 IMDB Rating: 7

Dives into Peterson’s life as jazz royalty with a focus on the racism he was forced to endure throughout his career and his commitment to mentoring younger players.

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