Watch Vince Giordano: There's a Future in the Past

Vince Giordano: There's a Future in the Past is a 2016 documentary about the life and music of Vince Giordano, a gifted jazz musician and bandleader who has dedicated his career to preserving the sound and style of the 1920s and 1930s. Throughout the film, the audience is taken on a journey through the life and times of Vince Giordano, a man who lives and breathes old-school jazz. At first, we see him and his band the Nighthawks performing at various venues, belting out classic jazz tunes with an energy and enthusiasm that belies their advanced age.

As the film progresses, we learn more about Vince's background and the passion that fuels his love of jazz. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Vince was exposed to jazz at a young age by his mother, who played records by the likes of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Vince quickly fell in love with the music and began playing the tuba, eventually forming his own band and performing at local venues.

However, it wasn't until he discovered the music of Paul Whiteman, a bandleader who was known for playing a more polished and sophisticated form of jazz, that Vince found his true calling. He spent countless hours studying Whiteman's recordings, transcribing the notes and arrangements by hand, and teaching himself the intricate techniques required to lead a big band.

As Vince's reputation grew, he became a sought-after musician and bandleader, performing alongside legends such as Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway, and Billie Holiday. However, his dedication to preserving the music of the past sometimes put him at odds with the changing tastes of the industry, and he struggled to find steady work.

Undeterred, Vince continued to pursue his passion, forming the Nighthawks in the early 1980s and building a loyal following of fans who appreciated his commitment to authenticity. The band's popularity grew over the years, and they became a fixture on the New York jazz scene, performing at venues such as the Rainbow Room and the Waldorf Astoria.

The film also explores Vince's collaborations with other musicians, including rock icon David Johansen and Prairie Home Companion host Garrison Keillor. Through interviews and performance footage, we see how Vince's passion for jazz has influenced and inspired other artists across a wide range of genres.

Ultimately, Vince Giordano: There's a Future in the Past is a celebration of the power of music to connect people across generations and cultures. Through Vince's story, we see how a deep love of a particular style of music can drive a person to pursue their dreams and inspire others to do the same. The film is a must-see for anyone who loves jazz or is interested in the role that music plays in shaping our lives and communities.

Vince Giordano: There's a Future in the Past is a 2017 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 74.