[Dixielandjazz] Movie: Midnight in Paris

[Norman Vickers]

To:  Musicians and Jazzfans list;  DJML

From: Norman Vickers, Jazz Society of Pensacola

 

I recently attended Woody Allen's movie, Midnight in Paris.  The scenery is
wonderful with opening scenes showing Eiffel Tower, Arch of Triumph, walk
along the Seine, Notre Dame Cathedral.  Beginning and end of the movie is
extended version of Sydney Bechet's  

"If you see my mother."  First time I've heard it with duo soprano saxes.
Music throughout the movie is 1920s-1930s style with extended Django-style
guitar.  It's a fairy-tale about a young married Hollywood re-write guy who
wants to stay in Paris to be inspired and work on his novel. Protagonist is
alone on Paris streets at midnight and gets magically transported to the
1920s in Paris.  He meets Hemingway, Cole Porter, Gertrude Stein and others.

 

  My wife and I loved the movie and sat through all the credits hoping that
the musicians would be listed-no such luck.

 

Knowing that Howard Alden had played guitar for Allen's movie, "Sweet and
Lowdown" in which Sean Penn was lead actor.

Most of you know that Howard coached him in some guitar technique and now
Penn can play some guitar for his own amazement.

 

I wrote Alden to inquire and this is his answer:

 

Hi Norman,

Several people have thought that it was me! But the guitarist is actually
Stephane Wrembel, a young French guitarist/django style specialist who lives
here in Brooklyn. I'm going to try to see the film soon-heard a lot of good
reports.

I just returned from Brazil, where I took a 3 guitar group(myself, Bucky
Pizzarelli and Jack Wilkins) to play at a series of jazz festivals/concerts.
We had a great time, and heard some amazing guitarists there.

All the best,

Howard

 

So, good to get this information.  If anyone can help with the musical
personnel for this movie, I'd appreciate your posting it.

 

Norman