One Night with Blue Note

Watch One Night with Blue Note

"The historic all-star reunion concert"
  • 2003
  • 2 hr
  • 8.6  (52)

One Night with Blue Note, released in 1985, is a music documentary film that features some of the most prominent jazz musicians of the time, including Art Blakey, Ron Carter, Walter Davis Jr., and Jack DeJohnette. The film showcases some of the finest jazz performances from the most celebrated jazz musicians of this era, recorded live at the Blue Note jazz club in New York City. This legendary jazz club was renowned for its intimate atmosphere and consistently presented high-quality jazz performances.

One Night with Blue Note offers a visually stunning and audibly crisp experience to its viewers as it consists of an excellent selection of live jazz performances. The film showcases each musician's talent as they take turns playing their instruments, soloing, and improvising.

Art Blakey was the bandleader of the original Jazz Messengers, which was a hub for some of the most gifted emerging young jazz musicians of the 1950s and 60s. In One Night with Blue Note, his explosive drumming style shines through as he performs alongside Ron Carter, who is considered one of the most influential bassists in jazz history. Walter Davis Jr. is featured on the piano, and his tasteful playing can be heard throughout the film. Jack DeJohnette, a creative and dynamic drummer, is also featured in the film, and his performance is a testament to his virtuosity and versatility on the drums.

One Night with Blue Note captures the essence of jazz improvisation, showcasing the spontaneity, empathy, and creativity inherent in the genre. Viewers are able to get a glimpse into what it's like to experience live jazz music in an intimate club setting. They get to see how musicians interact with each other on stage, reacting to each other's musical ideas, and building upon them to create mesmerizing performances.

One Night with Blue Note features both original compositions and jazz standards, such as "Moanin," "Nica's Dream," and "St. Thomas." The musicians' arrangements and interpretations of these classic tunes are fresh, inspiring, and eloquent. The music is timeless, and the film serves as a vital reminder of the importance of jazz music in American culture.

The camera work in One Night with Blue Note is also worth mentioning. It captures the performers' nuanced expressions and gestures, leaving no doubt as to how deeply they feel the music. The lighting and stage design give viewers the sense that they are witnessing a performance in real-time, adding to the authenticity of the film.

The film not only celebrates the music but also pays tribute to the Blue Note Jazz Club and its founder, Alfred Lion. The club, which opened in 1981, was an intimate venue for live jazz performances and was the first jazz club to introduce the table reservation system. One Night with Blue Note captures the club's essence, showing how it was a melting pot for jazz lovers, musicians, and enthusiasts.

Overall, One Night with Blue Note is an awe-inspiring film that documents some of the most talented jazz musicians of the time. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves jazz, and those who are new to the genre will find it to be an excellent introduction. The performances are electrifying, and the musicians' respect for the music and each other is palpable. The film takes viewers on a journey through the history of jazz music, showcasing the genre's emotional depth and technical complexity.

One Night with Blue Note
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Description
  • Release Date
    2003
  • Runtime
    2 hr
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.6  (52)
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