Directed by Scott Essman, it would be an understatement to say I was more than pleasantly surprised with his latest offering, "TRANE AND MILES." You see, I am eclectic when it comes to music, though I am not the Jazz buff, nor music historian that Essman is. Yet, even with that being the case, I found his latest film to be both captivating and visional.
Essman manages to capture the look of April, 1959, with both the art direction and actual color-grading of the film. He draws upon that "smoky" look of the studio where two titans of the genre, John Coltrane and Miles Davis, gathered together for the birth of what's known as "Cool Jazz." The look and feel of the period is definite, with both the film's decor, and the wardrobe and hair of the principles, as well as the background blues that accompany the piece. Travis Hinson is very strong as Miles Davis, seemingly narrating this piece in an interview after his death. This unique approach works for the smoky period piece.
Rico Ross is equally adept at portraying John Coltrane, the other main cool cat, who helped carve out this Jazz niche. As the piece points out, it is based on the real-life story of Coltrane and Davis, but certain elements and dialog are fictionalized for the purposes of dramatization. And, while this is the norm with a real-life story, you get the idea that with Essman's knowledge of the subject-matter, along with his love and appreciation of their music, that not much is fictionalized.
In fact, the two characters are so forthright that they chat about everything from their own addictions, to the civil rights movement, to how everything is changing in regards to music, especially with Rock and Roll being there to stay. Indeed, Hinson's Davis announces, "We will to ... Music's got to evolve."
One thing's for certain: Essman's work has evolved - greatly. This is his best work to date, and that's telling it straight. As a filmmaker, fellow film buff, this film was interesting to me. For Jazz aficionados, this is a can't miss.
At one point, Coltrane asks Miles, "You think they'll get it?" in regards to their music. Miles simply answers, "They can see us ... they'll get it." That one line would best describe this film.
But, don't take my word for it. See it for yourself at a film festival or purchase the DVD and check it out ... or on digital download. I believe it's available. See it ... and you'll get it, as well.
Essman manages to capture the look of April, 1959, with both the art direction and actual color-grading of the film. He draws upon that "smoky" look of the studio where two titans of the genre, John Coltrane and Miles Davis, gathered together for the birth of what's known as "Cool Jazz." The look and feel of the period is definite, with both the film's decor, and the wardrobe and hair of the principles, as well as the background blues that accompany the piece. Travis Hinson is very strong as Miles Davis, seemingly narrating this piece in an interview after his death. This unique approach works for the smoky period piece.
Rico Ross is equally adept at portraying John Coltrane, the other main cool cat, who helped carve out this Jazz niche. As the piece points out, it is based on the real-life story of Coltrane and Davis, but certain elements and dialog are fictionalized for the purposes of dramatization. And, while this is the norm with a real-life story, you get the idea that with Essman's knowledge of the subject-matter, along with his love and appreciation of their music, that not much is fictionalized.
In fact, the two characters are so forthright that they chat about everything from their own addictions, to the civil rights movement, to how everything is changing in regards to music, especially with Rock and Roll being there to stay. Indeed, Hinson's Davis announces, "We will to ... Music's got to evolve."
One thing's for certain: Essman's work has evolved - greatly. This is his best work to date, and that's telling it straight. As a filmmaker, fellow film buff, this film was interesting to me. For Jazz aficionados, this is a can't miss.
At one point, Coltrane asks Miles, "You think they'll get it?" in regards to their music. Miles simply answers, "They can see us ... they'll get it." That one line would best describe this film.
But, don't take my word for it. See it for yourself at a film festival or purchase the DVD and check it out ... or on digital download. I believe it's available. See it ... and you'll get it, as well.
