Part of Music City Mondays.

One of the most important record labels in American music, Blue Note Records has been home to such groundbreaking artists as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane, as well as present-day luminaries like Robert Glasper and Norah Jones. Founded in 1939 by German Jewish refugees Alfred Lion and Francis Wolff, the history of Blue Note Records goes beyond the landmark recordings, encompassing the pursuit of musical freedom, the conflict between art and commerce, and the idea of music as a transformative and revolutionary force. 

At the center of the film is an all-star recording session led by legends Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, whose earliest records as bandleaders were released by Blue Note. Backed by a band of current Blue Note artists (Robert Glasper and Ambrose Akinmusire, among others), the players form a 60-year nucleus of perspective that’s augmented by the likes of current label head Don Was and legendary engineer Rudy Van Gelder. The vital connections between jazz and hip hop are illuminated through contributions of hip hop producer Terrace Martin and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest).

New York Times Critic’s Pick “Makes a point right off that Blue Note Records, the influential jazz label, is still very much a thing of the present… This tidy, thoughtful film gets at jazz’s joy and pain.” —Glenn Kenny, New York Times

“I am grateful to Sophie Huber for opening my eyes and ears. She has made a memorable film that jazz buffs shouldn't miss.” —Leonard Maltin

The Belcourt Theatre does not provide advisories about subject matter or potential triggering content, as sensitivities vary from person to person.

Beyond the synopses, trailers and review links on our website, other sources of information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media and IMDb, as well as through general internet searches.

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