Imagine the Sound
1981 Canadian film
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Imagine the Sound is a 1981 Canadian documentary film about the music genre of free jazz, directed by Ron Mann.[1] It serves as Mann's feature film directorial debut.[2]
| Imagine the Sound | |
|---|---|
| |
| Directed by | Ron Mann |
| Produced by | Ron Mann Bill Smith |
| Starring | Paul Bley Bill Dixon Archie Shepp Cecil Taylor |
| Cinematography | Robert Fresco |
| Edited by | Sonya Polonsky |
Release date |
|
Running time | 90 minutes |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
Background
Imagine the Sound marks Mann's feature film directorial debut; he made the film while he was still in his early twenties.[2] The film deals with the once-controversial genre of free jazz.[3][4][1]
Shot entirely in Toronto, the film features interviews with and musical and dramatic performances by pianist Cecil Taylor, saxophonist Archie Shepp, trumpeter Bill Dixon, and pianist Paul Bley.[3][4][5] Bill Smith features as the interviewer of the film's subjects.[6]
Availability
The film has been digitally restored and was released on DVD in 2007.[7][8]
Reception
Critic and film historian Jonathan Rosenbaum has said that Imagine the Sound “may be the best documentary on free jazz that we have.”[9]
See also
- Toronto New Wave-the film movement Ron Mann was part of in 1980s Canada
- Ornette: Made in America- the 1985 Shirley Clarke documentary film about free jazz pioneer Ornette Coleman
- Poetry in Motion-a 1982 documentary film also by Mann