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Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes

Special Screenings

World Premiere

Switzerland, USA | 85 MINUTES | English |

BLUE NOTE RECORDS: BEYOND THE NOTES

Documentary, Music, Female Director(s)
One of the most important record labels in the history of jazz—and, by extension, that of American music—Blue Note Records has been home to such groundbreaking artists as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Bud Powell, Art Blakey, and Eric Dolphy, as well as present-day luminaries like Ambrose Akinmusire and Norah Jones. Founded in New York in 1939 by German-Jewish refugees Alfred Lion and Francis Wolff, Blue Note’s history goes beyond the records, encompassing the struggle of black artists to be heard, the conflict between art and commerce, and the idea of music as a revolutionary force.

Director Sophie Huber lays out the history of Blue Note, from its founding to its latter-day Renaissance, through a treasure trove of gorgeous photographs shot by Wolff, archival performances, interviews with the label’s alums and more recent fans, and excerpts from a contemporary All-Stars session featuring Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Robert Glasper. Invaluable recollections from Shorter, Rudy van Gelder and others who worked on both sides of the studio window, as well as observations from present-day participants, take the audience beyond the music and immerse viewers in the talent and drive that continue to propel the distinct mission of a great American label.

—Brian Gordon

After the Premiere Screening: A special guest performance by Blue Note artists Robert Glasper, Kendrick Scott and Derrick Hodge.

CAST & CREDITS

Directed by Sophie Huber

Born in Switzerland and based in New York, Sophie Huber gained her filmmaking experience as a member of an award-winning Berlin-based film collective, for which she co-directed several films. She then went on to direct her debut feature documentary, the critically acclaimed Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction.
Director
Sophie Huber
Producer
Sophie Huber, Chiemi Karasawa, Susanne Guggenberger, Hercli Bundi
Screenwriter
Sophie Huber
Cinematographer
Shane Sigler, Patrick Lindenmaier
Editor
Russell Greene
Executive Producer
Terry Shand, Geoffrey Kempin, Anke Beining-Wellhausen
Associate Producer
Vadim Jendreyko
Co-Producer
Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen, RTS, SRG SSR, Teleclub
Cast
Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Robert Glasper, Don Was, Norah Jones

CONTACTS

Print Source
Susanne Guggenberger
Mira Film GmbH
Zürich, 8003
Phone: 439 603 684
info@mirafilm.ch
International Sales Contact
Peter Worsley
Eagle Rock Films
London, N1C 4AG
Phone: 203 932 6600
peter.worsley@eagle-rock.com
US Sales Contact
Heather Wyer
Eagle Rock Entertainment
Santa Monica, CA
Phone: 514 827 8087
heather.wyer@eagle-rock.com
Press Contact
Craig Bankey
Main Stage Public Relations
Phone: 310 867 0881
cbankey@mainstagepr.com
Press Contact
Kevin McLaughlin
Main Stage Public Relations
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Phone: 347-614-6904
kmclaughlin@mainstagepr.com