[Dixielandjazz] Jazz Nusician - Committed artist. - The movie

[Steve Barbone]

Sounds like a "fun" movie. Probably be just about as popular as jazz. <grin>

Cheers,
Steve Barbone


Even if You Do Great Art, the Bills Must Still Be Paid

NY TIMES - By MATT ZOLLER SEITZ - September 5, 2007

The talking-heads-with-clips format so dominates the contemporary nonfiction
film that Daniel Kraus¹s ³Musician² feels radically fresh: It simply
observes its title character, the avant-garde jazz musician Ken Vandermark,
in the manner of a 1960s fly-on-the-wall documentary like ³Salesman.²

³Musician² is a follow-up to Mr. Kraus¹s similarly austere ³Sheriff² and the
latest in a projected series of features about people doing their jobs, shot
and edited with the same inquisitive spirit that defined Studs Terkel¹s oral
history ³Working.² 

We are introduced to Mr. Vandermark as he toils on a new composition at his
workshop in the basement of his Chicago home, and watch him scratch out
phrases on paper, then test them on saxophone and piano. We see him perform
for various audiences; hear him explain his optimistic but uncompromising
theory that atonal music suits the tone of modern life; and listen in as he
figures out how he¹s going to maintain his artistic integrity while making
the rent. 

In one early scene the director splits the screen to show Mr. Kraus working
the phone in his home office, effusively thanking a patron for a gig, and
then sheepishly informing a creditor that he won¹t be able to settle up
until next month. Those seeking a nutshell definition of what it means to be
a committed artist need look no further.


MUSICIAN
Opens today in Manhattan.
Directed and edited by Daniel Kraus; director of photography, Mr. Kraus;
music by Ken Vandermark; produced by Jason Davis and Mr. Kraus; released by
Sheriffmovie. At the Two Boots Pioneer Theater, 155 East Third Street, at
Avenue A, East Village. Running time: 60 minutes. This film is not rated.