The Cry of Jazz
13 votes
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.
Status: Released
Released Date: 1959-03-22
Runtime: 34 mins
Director: Edward Bland
Spoken language: English
Genres: Documentary, Music
Original title: The Cry of Jazz
Production Companies:
Production Countries:
Cast
Recommendations
Wealth of a Nation
1964-01-01
"This film explores how freedom of speech — including dissent — is afforded to all Americans, and sh
Oscar Peterson: Music in the Key of Oscar
1995-01-01
This riveting music documentary traces the history of Jazz piano legend Oscar Peterson, from his ear
High Society
1956-07-17
With socialite Tracy Lord about to remarry, her ex-husband - with the help of a sympathetic reporter
Sweet and Lowdown
1999-12-03
In the 1930s, jazz guitarist Emmet Ray idolizes Django Reinhardt, faces gangsters and falls in love
Nice Girls Don't Stay for Breakfast
2019-02-27
In the late 1990s, iconic photographer Bruce Weber barely managed to convince legendary actor Robert
Resilience: The Story of Ryan Porter
2025-02-01
A short documentary on jazz trombonist, Ryan Porter.
Assolo
2014-06-07
Danny 'Sweet Touch' Caputo is a young sax player on the verge of crowning his life's dream, to play
Billie
2020-09-30
‘Lady Day’ was one of the greatest jazz vocalists the world ever heard. In 1971, journalist Linda Li
Norman Granz’ Jazz in Montreaux presents Ella and Basie '79—"The Perfect Match"
1979-01-01
The two musical masters swing out.
Jazz Icons: Oscar Peterson Live in '63, '64 & '65
2008-09-30
Oscar Peterson is accompanied by the stellar duo of bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen for eac
'Round Midnight
1986-09-23
Inside the Blue Note nightclub one night in 1959 Paris, an aged, ailing jazzman coaxes an eloquent w
Louis Armstrong: 100th Anniversary 1901-2001
2001-08-04
A documentary featuring archive footage to celebrate the 100th birth of jazz legend Louis Armstrong.
Stop for Bud
1963-12-17
Stop for Bud is Jørgen Leth's first film and the first in his long collaboration with Ole John. […]
The Sound of Seeing
1963-01-01
Made on a wind-up Bolex camera, The Sound of Seeing announced the arrival of 21-year-old filmmaker T
Sting : My Songs au château de Chambord
2022-11-16
Crazy
2008-03-02
Crazy is the story of a legendary guitar player who emerged from Nashville in the 1950s. Blessed wit
Charlie Parker: Bird Songs
2022-01-09
In 1955, on his report, a medical examiner wrote in the box: age, “about 53 years”. Charlie Parker n
Chris Botti in Boston
2009-03-31
Chart-topping jazz trumpeter Chris Botti and special guests performed two star-studded concerts at t
Imitation of Waves - Guy's Visions
2025-02-21
Impressionism and expression of a view, Mavy uses fragments of the ocean landscapes of Alice Guy's s
Black February: Music Is an Open Door
Vipal Monga's first feature-length documentary chronicles an unprecedented series of concerts perfor