Thelonious Monk

Composer-arranger-pianist John Beasley uses Thelonious Monk's spontaneous movements and experiences as the basis for conducting radically reconceived versions of the late composer's music for his critically acclaimed big band project.

"In December 1969, legendary jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk ended his European concert tour with a performance at the Salle Pleyel in Paris. Before the show, he was invited to appear on a French television program to perform and answer questions in an intimate setting. Using newly discovered footage from this recording, director Alain Gomis (FÉLICITÉ) reveals the disconnect between Monk and his interviewer, Henri Renaud, whose unwittingly...

"I have been playing jazz for more than forty years. Today, I find that the best state of mind to be in when I sit down at the piano is 'let's see what happens'. I have discovered that jazz is not nearly as much about playing what you know, but musically going to those places you have never been before. When I first started out, it was scary to think this way -- but with experience, I have become very comfortable with the freedom that comes from simply...

Gary Burton and Chick Corea perform various jazz arrangements, including Eleanor Rigby; Time Remembered; Hot House; Strange Meadow Lark; Light Blue; Can't We Be Friends; Chega de Saudade; Once I Loved; My Ship; and Mozart Goes Dancing. "3 1/2 out of 4 ... exhilarating and accessible."--USA Today.

Documentary on Matt Weber, a New York cab driver turned street photographer. Weber discusses his development as a photographer and photography as a medium of expression.