Watch The Cry of Jazz

The Cry of Jazz is a groundbreaking 1959 film that explores the relationship between jazz music and African American culture. Directed by Edward O. Bland, the film blends documentary footage and fictional scenes to create a unique cinematic experience. The film begins with a brief history of jazz music and its roots in the African American community. From there, the narrative focuses on a discussion between two groups of intellectuals - one group believes that jazz music is a reflection of African American culture and should be valued as such, while the other sees jazz as simply entertainment for white audiences.

Throughout the film, the discussion is interspersed with musical performances that showcase the various styles of jazz, including Dixieland, bebop, and free jazz. The performances are accompanied by visuals that illustrate the social and cultural context in which the music was created.

One of the strengths of The Cry of Jazz is its willingness to tackle complex issues such as race, class, and identity. The intellectual debate at the center of the film is nuanced and thought-provoking, and the film does not shy away from addressing uncomfortable truths. At the same time, the musical performances are vibrant and thrilling, showcasing the incredible talent of the musicians involved.

The cast of the film is made up largely of non-professional actors, many of whom were members of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). George Waller, who plays the leader of the group that argues for the cultural significance of jazz, delivers a particularly strong performance. His impassioned speeches about the importance of recognizing the contributions of African Americans to American culture are a highlight of the film.

Dorothea Horton and Melinda Dillon, who play members of the opposing group, are also excellent. Although they are initially dismissive of jazz music, they are open to hearing different perspectives and are willing to engage in thoughtful discussions about the subject.

The film's use of jazz music as a storytelling device is particularly effective. By showing the evolution of jazz from its early roots to the cutting-edge styles of the 1950s, the film makes a powerful argument for the importance of recognizing the contributions of African Americans to American culture. The musical performances are not simply interludes between scenes, but an integral part of the film's narrative.

Despite the film's strengths, it is not without its flaws. Some of the scenes feel overly didactic, with the characters speaking in long monologues about the significance of jazz music. Additionally, the fictional scenes can feel melodramatic and occasionally ham-handed.

Overall, however, The Cry of Jazz is a remarkable film that deserves to be better known. Its mix of fiction and documentary, intellectual discourse and musical performance, makes it a unique and engaging cinematic experience. While some of the issues it raises may have been addressed more thoroughly in subsequent decades, the film's importance as a landmark in African American cinema and jazz history cannot be overstated.