Musician (2007)
• May 19th, 2007 • 1h 0min
Documentary, Music
Overview
Common sense says you can't make a living in America playing avant-garde improvisational jazz. But Ken Vandermark does it anyway. Among musicians, Vandermark's work ethic is almost mythic. The Chicago reed player has released over 100 albums with nearly 40 ensembles, spends over eight months per year on the road, and lives every other waking moment composing, arranging, performing—and trying to discipline his two hyperactive canines. Though Vandermark was the recipient of a 1999 MacArthur genius grant, he still spends most of his life in smoky clubs and low-budget recording studios, hoping people will plunk down hard-earned cash to hear his wholly non-commercial music. Following the artful cinéma vérité style of the internationally acclaimed Sheriff (Work Series #1), Musician (Work Series #2) forgoes all interviews and voice-overs. It is a fly-on-the-wall time capsule that expertly captures every subtle sound and texture of this most American of art forms.
Make sure to check your pop-up blocker!!
Trailer
Similar Movies
Chris Botti in Boston
Released on: 2009-03-31
Music
Chart-topping jazz trumpeter Chris Botti and special guests performed two star-studded concerts at t...
Ula
Released on: 2023-05-28
Documentary
‘This is the cradle of our beloved music. We need to verify our skills there’, said Michał Urbaniak ...
Loyle Carner - hugo: reimagined (live from the Royal Albert Hall)
Released on: 2024-05-23
Music
in celebration of the release of his critically lauded, mercury prize nominated album “hugo”, rever...
La fuga
Released on: 2024-05-10
Drama, Comedy, Music
In a retirement home for former professional musicians, a newcomer convinces some of his mates to em...
Lady Sings the Blues
Released on: 1972-10-12
Drama, Music
Chronicles the rise and fall of legendary blues singer Billie Holiday, beginning with her traumatic ...
Let's Get Lost
Released on: 1988-09-15
Music, Documentary
Documentary about jazz great Chet Baker that intercuts footage from the 1950s, when he was part of W...
Blood Money: Inside the Nazi Economy
Released on: 2021-02-02
History, War, Documentary, TV Movie
How did Nazi Germany, from limited natural resources, mass unemployment, little money and a damaged ...
Wes Bound: The Genius of Wes Montgomery
Released on: 2023-02-26
Documentary, Music
Discover the story of a legendary jazz guitarist and composer from Indiana. Wes Montgomery was born ...
Putte Wickman à la clarinette
Released on: 1991-01-29
Music, Documentary
Documentary about the Swedish clarinettist Putte Wickman featuring interviews and performances.
Young Man with a Horn
Released on: 1950-03-01
Drama, Music, Romance
Taken in by the musical world as a young orphan, Rick Martin grows up with a desire to play pure jaz...
Oscar Peterson: Music in the Key of Oscar
Released on: 1995-01-01
Documentary
This riveting music documentary traces the history of Jazz piano legend Oscar Peterson, from his ear...
Free Lunch Society: Komm Komm Grundeinkommen
Released on: 2017-05-05
Documentary
What would you do if your basic income was taken care of month after month? Would you stop working? ...
Font Men
Released on: 2014-03-09
Documentary
You've never heard of Jonathan Hoefler or Tobias Frere-Jones but you've seen their work. They run th...
Zeitgeist: Addendum
Released on: 2008-10-02
Documentary, History, War
Zeitgeist: Addendum premiered at the 5th Annual Artivist Film Festival. Director Peter Joseph stated...
Handbook of Movie Theaters’ History
Released on: 2019-11-29
Documentary, Comedy
Handbook of Movie Theaters’ History is a documentary about the history, the development in the prese...