Imagine the Sound

1981 · Documentary · 91 min. · Canada

Imagine the Sound

The first feature documentary by Ron Mann (Grass, Comicbook Confidential) is an eloquent tribute to a group of highly celebrated artists that helped forge the avant-garde jazz of the 1960s. Critic and film historian Jonathan Rosenbaum has said Imagine the SoundI "may be the best documentary on free jazz that we have." The film features mind expanding interviews and singular, dramatic performances by pianists Cecil Taylor and Paul Bley, tenor saxophone Archie Shepp, and trumpet player Bill Dixon. Not since Scorsese's The Last Waltz has a music documentary been so thorough and compatible with its subject. Alongside the dynamic performances, the film captures the diverse history and politicized roots of this unique musical genre. Imagine the Sound is an important chapter in the history of the jazz documentary.

Direction Ron Mann

Cast Paul Bley · Bill Dixon · Archie Shepp · Cecil Taylor · Kenny Werner

Screenplay Ron Mann

Cinematography Robert Fresco

Original title Imagine the Sound

Not rated (FilmAffinity)

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