REEL Jazz: Real Jazz, Real Films at the Bryant-Lake Theater
© 2008, Andrea Canter

“Real jazz” can be found anywhere, it seems. No longer confined to smoky basement clubs or sprawling outdoor festivals, jazz abounds in the classiest hotel bars and concert hall stages as well as in the darkest corners of neighborhood restaurants and bowling alleys. Bowling alleys? In south Minneapolis, the Bryant-Lake Bowl has been dishing up strikes and spares as well as some of the best breakfast plates in town, as well as dramatic and music performances in its small theater. The acclaimed Jazz Is Now! ensemble held its first public gigs at Bryant-Lake, as did young trumpet star John Raymond. And last spring, Jazz 88 Radio initiated its innovative REEL Jazz Film Series, bringing classic documentary footage tracing jazz legends and more to the little venue adjacent to the lanes and café. In September, REEL Jazz returns for its second season of monthly screenings, providing not only a visual feast of America’s great art form but also opportunities to enjoy some of the most accomplished young jazz musicians in the metro, who will open each film night with an inspiring set of original compositions and arrangements.

Kevin Barnes, KBEM Jazz 88 (Photo © Andrea Canter)

Integrating Film and Music
REEL Jazz celebrates the realm of independent jazz films in an appropriately intimate setting, with seating limited to 80 and a suggested donation (to KBEM radio) of $10. Response to the first (spring 2008) season was very positive, notes curator and KBEM personality Kevin Barnes, with attendance averaging 30-50. “Bryant-Lake Bowl Theater is the perfect funky venue. The films were wonderful and the crowd really enjoyed the pre-film youth jazz performances,” said Kevin. Integrating the music with the films is Barnes’ goal for this season, as well as giving young artists an opportunity for paid public gigs.  “This Fall season, I have the Isaac Zuckerman Quartet opening up the REEL Jazz films in September and October (and probably November) and they'll be curating live jazz inspired by the film sensibilities--they get to play what they want! This is a great development as it encourages the ensemble to think outside the box a bit regarding what they would normally play. I had them perform at two Jazz88-sponsored events last year, where they had to perform all original tunes (no covers) for three hours. This is an amazing feat for a group of teenage jazzers.”

Isaac Zuckerman is no stranger to jazz or KBEM, having worked last year (and continuing this year) as one of the station’s interns. Adds Kevin, “He's a wonderful jazz drummer and a senior at South High School. He's really psyched to have the Quartet perform material (including original material) inspired by the films.” Isaac’s quartet features some of the strongest teen performers in the region—pianist Joe Strachan of Northfield, winner of the ----scholarship in the 2008 Jazz Piano Scholarship Competition sponsored by the Schubert Club and Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education; bassist Cory Grindberg of Minneapolis South High School, and a member of the 2008 Dakota Combo; and trumpeter Jake Baldwin, Minnetonka High School and also a member of the 2008 Dakota Combo. Isaac, Joe and Cory have also participated in the Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth jazz band.

Isaac Zuckerman with the MITY Band
(Photo © Andrea Canter)

Fall Film Schedule
Live music begins at 6:30 pm each night, followed by film screening at 7 pm.

Thursday, September 4, Wild Man Blues (USA/1997/105 minutes; directed by Barbara Kopple)

Wild Man Blues is a documentary about the musical life of actor/director/comic Woody Allen. The film title, from a jazz composition variously attributed to Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong, details Allen’s love affair with early 20th century New Orleans music through footage of his 1996 European tour with his New Orleans Jazz Band. Allen has played clarinet with this band for over 25 years, continuing today. The 1996 tour was notable not only for the music but as the first public appearance of Allen and his soon-to-be-wife Soon Yi Previn, who joined him on tour. Critic Simon Leake noted that Allen “may refuse to bob his head and tap his feet to please his audience, but when he launches into a soaring solo we finally see Allen at ease, transported by the thrill of playing jazz.”

Thursday, October 2, REEL Jazz Double Header!
      Keeping Time: The Life, Music and       Photographs of Milt Hinton (USA/2003/ 58 minutes; directed by Kate Hirson; produced by David G. Berger and Holly Maxson). One of the most acclaimed jazz bassists of the 20th century, Milt Hinton was also an accomplished photographer. Over six decades, he documented hundreds of jazz stars in performance, in the studio and on tour. This film combines rare images, film footage and interviews with the subjects of Hinton’s lens, taking viewers on the road with the history of jazz. Keeping Time is an insider’s look at both the music and the culture of 20th century America.

Freddy Cole (Photo © Andrea Canter)

Thursday, November 6, A REEL Jazz Doubleheader!
            Mystery, Mr. Ra (USA/1984/51 minutes; directed by Frank Cassenti; produced by Rhapsody Films). The mysterious bandleader, philosopher, shaman, commune leader and cosmic massager, Sun Ra is considered through performance and off-stage footage, interviews, and voice overs with still photos. Highlights of Mystery include the majestic Watusi fanfare, "Love in Outer Space," tenor saxophonist John Gilmore's whiff of Coleman Hawkins on the classic "Blue Lou," alto saxophonist Marshall Allen's free blowing on the '20s standard, "Tea for Two," and incendiary renditions of  "Nuclear War" and "1984." One of the most original and misunderstood musicians who shaped world jazz, Sun Ra’s life, music and philosophy are insightfully explored through performances by his famed Arkestra.

            Big Ben: Big Ben Webster In Europe (Netherlands/1967/31 minutes; directed by Johan van der Keuken). It might be a short film but Big Ben covers in full the life of expatriate tenor sax legend Webster, including footage of his renditions of My Romance and other standards. Photo montage shows the master of the mellow tone playing along with a recording of Fats Waller, talking to his Dutch landlady, reflecting on his experience with Duke Ellington and more. Notes critic Leonard Feather (Los Angeles Times), “Here is a masterful example of filmmaking that truly penetrates the heart of this big, sad, lonely bachelor."

All film screenings begin at 7 pm, with music by the Isaac Zuckerman Quartet beginning at 6:30 pm in the Bryant-Lake Theater at 810 W. Lake Street. Reservations limited to 80 patrons; e-mail Kevin Barnes to reserve your seat at KevinB@Jazz88fm.com