A wonderful, warm little movie.
A Great Day in Harlem (1995)
Runtime: 2 hrs 32 mins
Synopsis: The story behind a photograph conceived by Esquire Magazine art director Art Kane. He gathered all the greats in the Jazz world for a group shot on a sultry summer day on 125th Street in Harlem, 1958. With a "cast" that includes Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, and Art Blakely, this documentary... The story behind a photograph conceived by Esquire Magazine art director Art Kane. He gathered all the greats in the Jazz world for a group shot on a sultry summer day on 125th Street in Harlem, 1958. With a "cast" that includes Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, and Art Blakely, this documentary provides a rare glimpse into the close-knit, warm world of the Jazz era, as well as some heartwarming and amusing footage of legends just being themselves. [More]
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
Starring: Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Marian McPartland, Sonny Rollins
DVD Info
Release:
Mar 1, 2006
DVD Features:
- 2-Disc Set
- Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
- Dolby Digital Stereo - English
Additional Release Material:
- Bonus Featurette - 1. Art Kane
- 2. Bill Charlap and Kenny Washington
- 3. Copycat Photos
- 4. Stories from the Making of A GREAT DAY IN HARLEM
- Bonus Footage - 1. New Video Profiles of the 59 Musicians
Reviews
Combining home movies, interviews from the time, contemporary reminiscences from locals and those who took part, and fascinating performance footage, this is a joyful celebration of an extraordinary event and of jazz music in general.
If you wanted to introduce someone to what jazz is all about, this would be an ideal place to start.
Even casual fans should appreciate the film's genuine admiration for these great artists, whose lives were interwoven with their creativity and who changed the face of 20th-century music.
For non-buffs, pic fails the acid test of exciting interest where there was little or none before; it could easily have covered the same ground in half its length.
A fascinating examination of the artistry, camaraderie and idiosyncrasies among a generation enigmatic jazz giants.
This isn’t Ken Burns’ jazz, but something with the spark and intuition of the real thing.
Anyone with the misconception that the spirit of a particular music is not a direct reflection of the souls of the musicians who created it must see A Great Day in Harlem, Jean Bach's small and very moving documentary about the jazz life.
If there's such a thing as a magical documentary, A Great Day in Harlem is it.
It's a funny and moving film whose swinging rhythms and informal tone capture a feeling for the music, the people who make it and the affection and respect they feel for each other and the art form.


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