Tag Archives: jazz

3 things about Gary Keys’ MEMORIES OF DUKE

Posted on November 14, 2015 by robchristopher

Memories of Duke [1980] 1. He leaves the piano to groove to the band. 2. When he was with Chick Webb, Johnny Hodges’ nickname was Polly. 3. “Whether you were black, white, grizzled or gray, any musician would want to … Continue reading →

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3 things about Woody Allen’s SWEET AND LOWDOWN

Posted on May 24, 2014 by robchristopher

Sweet and Lowdown [1999] 1. A dapper Oriental gentleman wearing glasses and a mustache sits down next to him and sips from a flask. 2. Chili stains on the edges of his mouth. 3. “My father died.” “Again? How many … Continue reading →

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from a notebook

Posted on May 8, 2014 by robchristopher

“Jazz shouts its sorrows at us, and we don’t give a damn. That’s why it’s fine, real.” –Erik Satie

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3 things about Drew Associates’ ON THE ROAD WITH DUKE ELLINGTON

Posted on December 4, 2013 by robchristopher

On the Road with Duke Ellington [1974] 1. “Every night we throw a house party, and I’m the guest of honor.” 2. Duke tells Louis Armstrong, “Well, you know, I get stage fright.” 3. “He will perform the new piece … Continue reading →

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3 things about Robert Altman’s KANSAS CITY

Posted on January 19, 2013 by robchristopher

Kansas City [1996] 1. “You got robbed by Amos and Andy. Can you believe that shit?” 2. As the jazz battle concludes, Hawkins and Young shake hands. 3. “You know what I didn’t do today? I didn’t vote.”

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Jazz.

Posted on October 20, 2011 by robchristopher

When Jason Adasiewicz plays the vibes, his music dances on the thin line between way, way out and completely in the pocket. Even while assaulting the listener with intense clusters of sound, he swings like mad. He’s got a new … Continue reading →

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3 things about Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman’s HOWL

Posted on September 14, 2010 by robchristopher

Howl [2010] 1. The typewriter punches out handwriting. 2. Next to the phonograph, an LP by Dinah. 3. An arm emerges from the bottom corner of the frame to accept the cup of tea.

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3 things about Shirley Clarke’s THE CONNECTION

Posted on March 13, 2008 by robchristopher

The Connection [1962] 1. Jackie McLean: “This cat is corroded!” 2. The series of closeups of the peeling white paint on the bathroom door. 3. Sam is in the midst of a rambling monologue. The camera titlts upward, following a … Continue reading →

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