The Cry of Jazz (1959)

The Cry of Jazz (1959) poster

Filmed in Chicago & finished in 1959, The Cry of Jazz is filmmaker, composer and arranger Edward O. Bland's polemical essay on the politics of music and race - a forecast of what he called "the death of jazz." A landmark moment in black film, foreseeing the civil unrest of subsequent decades, it also features the only known footage of visionary pianist Sun Ra from his beloved Chicago period. Featured are ample images of tenor saxophonist John Gilmore and the rest of Ra's Arkestra in Windy City nightclubs, all shot in glorious black & white.

Director: Edward Bland
Genre: Documentary, Music
Runtime: 34 min
Release Date:

Cast

Music: Sun Ra
Language: English
Original Language: en

Themes

Jazz Piano and Improvisation Master, Jazz and Blues Soul, Jazz Club: Improvisation and the Soul's Voice, Vocal Jazz and Soulful Night Club Vibe

Keywords

jazz, jazz singer or musician, jazz age, jazz band, free jazz, avant garde, avant garde jazz

More Films by Director: Edward Bland
More Films in Genre: Documentary, Music

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Cry of Jazz about?
Filmed in Chicago & finished in 1959, The Cry of Jazz is filmmaker, composer and arranger Edward O. Bland's polemical essay on the politics of music and race - a forecast of what he called "the death of jazz." A landmark moment in black film, foreseeing the civil unrest of subsequent decades, it also features the only known footage of visionary pianist Sun Ra from his beloved Chicago period. Featured are ample images of tenor saxophonist John Gilmore and the rest of Ra's Arkestra in Windy City nightclubs, all shot in glorious black & white.
Who directed The Cry of Jazz?
The Cry of Jazz was directed by Edward Bland.
Who stars in The Cry of Jazz?
The Cry of Jazz stars George Waller, Dorothea Horton, Melinda Dillon, Andrew Duncan, Leroy Inman, James Miller.
How long is The Cry of Jazz?
The Cry of Jazz has a runtime of 34m (34 minutes).
What genre is The Cry of Jazz?
The Cry of Jazz is a Documentary, Music film.
What are the themes of The Cry of Jazz?
The themes of The Cry of Jazz include: Jazz Piano and Improvisation Master, Jazz and Blues Soul, Jazz Club: Improvisation and the Soul's Voice, Vocal Jazz and Soulful Night Club Vibe.