Musician (2007)
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.
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Great idea for a film and worth remaking -- even with most of the same footage. Inspired by Studs Terkel's book _Working_ ... the cover says. I read that book and greatly admired it almost 35 years ago. There's no rule against commentary... there sure was plenty in the book -- by the subjects themselves.I wish someone would weave this film together more. (A "fly on the wall" is not a point of view. Personally, I like to have a couple of houseflies in the room. I find them comforting and beautiful. But I don't wait for them to tell the story of musicians.) The film makers may have believed narration or commentary would detract from the flow. And it's a huge chore to do it well -- narration for this film would be like the effort of producing a three or four excellent songs -- a huge effort! The film was released in a hectic time in our country, which may have compressed the film makers' budgets or personal time. Good production values --- worthy on-screen subjects and sound -- just needs more of the excellent emcee work which the film makers surely can arrange.