USA 1959
Opening August 5, 2021
Directed by: Bert Stern
Writing credits: Albert D'Annibale, Arnold Perl
Principal actors: Documentary with Louis Armstrong, Chuck Berry, Thelonious Monk, Anita O’Day
Fashion photographer Bert Stern turns a fashion conscious eye on the Newport Jazz Festival of 1958 but instead of snapping pictures of high fashion, he concentrates on filming the passionate musicians and the lively audience members as they experienced the show. The result is a cinematic art gallery of jazz greats, shown from intimate angles mixed with close-ups of the appreciative audience interspersed with breathtaking scenes from the America’s Cup sailing race. Of course, the wide brimmed black hat trimmed in white fluffy feathers and little black dress trimmed likewise worn by singer Anita O’Day rightly received appropriate camera attention. But the mood is artistically captured as well. People were literally dancing on surrounding rooftops. Toe tapping, hand clapping, hugging, swing dancing, kissing - there were many ways people enjoyed the festival. Chuck Berry made headlines by rockin’ and rollin’ with jazz musicians. Big Maybelle lived up to her name with her big voice. Louis Armstrong featured his well-known rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In”. A real gem for jazz fans and a truly enjoyable step back in time for anyone else. Try not to miss this love poem to all that jazz. ()