Jazz In Film

The Cool World

The Director: Shirley Clarke

The Writers: Shirley Clarke, Carl Lee, Warren Miller and Robert Rossen

The Actors: Rony Clanton, Carl Lee, Yolanda Rodriguez, Clarence Williams III, and Gloria Foster

The Music: The soundtrack of abstract jazz colorings was never officially released, however, this Dizzy Gillespie re-recording is the next best thing.

The Story: This 1964 film is a powerful, stark semi-documentary look at the horrors of Harlem ghetto slum life filled with drugs, violence, human misery and a sense of despair due to the racial prejudices of American society. There is no patronizing of the black race in this cinematic cry for justice. A fifteen-year-old boy called Duke is ambitious to buy a “piece” (a gun) from an adult racketeer named Priest, to become president of the gang to which he belongs, and to return them to active “bopping” (gang fighting) which has declined in Harlem. It is a clearly patent allegory of an attempt by Duke to attain manhood and identity in the only way accessible to him – the antisocial one.

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Requisites

The Leading Man: This 1993 issued session is considered a classic for both material and performances of the various ensembles Harold Mabern put together. With the exception of DeJohnette and Carter, all the other players rotate throughout the sessions. Style and grace fill this recording.

Personnel: Harold Mabern – piano, Ron Carter – bass, Jack DeJohnette – drums, Bill Easley – alto saxophone, Bill Mobley – trumpet, Kevin Eubanks – guitar, and Pamela Baskin-Watson – vocals

Record Date: Columbia Records / November 9, 1992 – April 12, 1993

Cover: The cover is an alternate cover used for the import version of this session is currently unavailable. The U.S. release is still available.

Songs: Look On The Bright Side, Save The Best For Last, Full House, Alone Together, It’s A Lonesome Old Town, Yes And No, Moment’s Notice, Au Privave, B And B, Mercury Retro

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Jazz In Film

Harlem Nights: 1989 film written and directed by Eddie Murphy also stars Murphy, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Danny Aiello, Della Reese, Stan Shaw, Jasmine Guy, Lela Rochon and Arsenio Hall.

 The Story:Sugar Ray is the owns an illegal casino, who contend with the pressures of a ruthless gangster, corrupt policemen and a sultry siren who want to take a huge percentage of his earnings and put him out of business. To escape the carnage of the Roaring Twenties, Ray and his crew must pull off the greatest con of their lives.

The Music: Original music score by pianist & composer Herbie Hancock. Contributing composers Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Walter G. Samuels, Leonard Whitcup, Teddy Powell, Arthur Johnston, Sam Coslow, Arthur Altman, James Cavanaugh, Barney Bigard, Count Basie, Reginald De Koven, Clement W. Scott, Jararaca, Vincente Paiva, Albert Stillman

Soundtrack: Just One More Chance, Black Beauty, Drop Me Off In Harlem, That Gal From Joe’s, Heaven Help This Heart Of Mine, It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing), Just One More Chance, Long Time No See, Mama Eu Quero, Mood Indigo, Oh Promise Me, One O’Clock Jump, Sophisticated Lady, Take My Heart,

Performers: Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Buddy Clark, Eddy Duchin, The Andrew Sisters, John McCormick, Buddy Clark, Nat Brandywynne, Duke Ellington, Count Basie

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Requisites

Jazz At The Blackhawk: The quartet that Cal Tjader kept together during 1956-57 was devoted to straight-ahead jazz. His Latin fans found ample consolation in the enjoyment of one of the most swinging groups the vibra-harpist ever led. This set was captured at The Blackhawk in San Francisco with an audience that actually got the sound and inspired the players.

Personnel: Cal Tjader – vibes, Vince Guaraldi – piano, Gene Wright – bass, Al Torre – drums

Record Date: Live at the Blackhawk, San Francisco / January 20, 1957

Songs: Bill B., Land’s End, I’ll Remember April, Blues In The Night, Thinking Of You, MJQ, I’ve Never Been In Love Before, Two For Blues Suite, When The Sun Comes Out, Lover, Come Back To Me

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Jazz In Film

Bullitt: This 1968 crisp, technically assured thriller was directed by Peter Yates and starred Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Bisset and Robert Vaughn. The story follows an all guts, no glory San Francisco cop who becomes determined to find the underworld kingpin that killed the witness in his protection. The film featured violent deaths, one of the best car chases in film history and a self-conscious message.

The modernistic music score was composed and conducted by Lalo Schifrin with Howard Roberts – guitar, Bud Shank – flute, Mike Melvoin – piano, Ray Brown – bass, Larry Bunker – drums, Bud Brisbois – trumpet and Milt Bernhart – trombone.

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