What It's About:

Print photographer Bert Stern took a movie camera to the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival and consequently shot some of the 20th century's greatest jazz musicians in their prime. These inspired musical segments are interspersed with spontaneous scenes of the enthusiastic fifties crowd and the gorgeous Newport venue, including shots of glistening water and sailboats.

Why I Love It:

This special film should be catnip not only for jazz fans, but all music lovers. The jams indeed soar, what with performers like Satchmo and Gerry Mulligan playing their hearts out, and Mahalia Jackson showcasing her powerful pipes. Even the electric Chuck Berry, very much in his prime, gets in on the act. Director Stern’s camera captures the sheer excitement of the event, while evoking the feeling of a more innocent era. Vivid color and fluid camera movement help achieve this effect. “Jazz” is a visual and aural stunner, not to be overlooked.