Sound Unseen 2009

By combing rare archival stills, interviews with 75 jazz artists and live recordings culled from 25 hours of concerts, Icons Among Us is a dynamic and engaging document of many of the greatest jazz musicians of today. Capturing the spontaneity of performers who have an intimate knowledge of their instruments and a full knowledge of jazz history, the movie (created from four episodes of a cable and satellite TV series) shows how something like the same riff can become something completely different in the hands of different musicians. The dialogue between older and younger generations of music takes place with words, but also with music. Anyone from diehard fans to interested novices and those interested in the origins of creativity will find something to take home with them. Like the music itself, Icons Among Us , is a fresh and constantly surprising, with a spirit and energy that innovates even as it recycles. Icons Among Us , features unique interviews and exclusive performances from Terence Blanchard, Medeski, Martin & Wood, the Bad Plus (with Happy Apple drummer, Dave King), Ravi Coltrane, Dirty Dozen Brass Band and many others.

They Can Shoot Me But They Can't Kill Me And Neither Can You (USA, 2008, 7 mins) Directed by Jeffrey Peixoto Synopsis: The life and times of folk legend Woody Guthrie are recounted in this inventive animated biography shot using a cell-phone. One Man Brand (USA, 2009, 14 mins ) Dir. Josh Aiello: An insightful look into the creative process of a Matthew Schultz, who writes and records one song a day – everyday – for the novelty website Woot! Fingers (USA, 2008, 22 mins) Dir. Danny Mooney: Will, an aspiring musician, hitchhikes to Nashville with his guitar in hopes of making it big. One night, after a gig, he gets an offer that seemingly offers a way make his dreams come true, but soon he learns the hard way that nothing comes easy. Night People (USA, 2008, 3 mins) Dir. Paul Lovelace and Jessica Wolfson: New York City radio host Bob Fass shares a moment with a cab driver over the air late one night. The Archive (USA, 2009, 9 mins) Dir. Sean Dunne: A brief look at the world's largest vinyl record collection and the current state of the American record industry... and why nobody gives a damn. Love You More (UK, 2008, 15 mins) Dir. Sam Taylor Wood: Two rebel teenagers are drawn together by the Buzzcocks' single "Love You More" during the summer of 1978. Led Zeppelin Played Here (US, 2008, 8 mins) Dir. Jeff Krulik: 1969 was the year Led Zeppelin broke, and their first Washington DC area concert was a local youth center gymnasium on the night of Richard Nixon's inauguration. Seeking out evidence for this historic show, Led Zeppelin Played Here uncovers the truth behind the tall tales of local rock lore. By the director of Heavy Metal Parking Lot. -Light Industry Long for the City (US, 2008, 9 mins) Dir. Jem Cohen: A short portrait of Patti Smith in the city where she lives. Patti recites the very first poem-song she ever wrote, and then a later one, "Prayer", from the early 1970s. We take a walk in her changing neighborhood, and I ask her what she saw. Footage was shot in the moment, as well as drawn from the archive I've gathered over many years. -Jem Cohen