Jazz on Screen is back at the Barbican

Delve into the unseen world of 1950s and 1960s Jazz on screen like never before.

As is tradition, Jazz on Screen is back at the Barbican during the London Jazz Festival with three rarely seen films that shine a light on some of the jazz legends in an era of change and creativity.

Three films bounce around the world, and include various special introductions with writer, comedian and documentary film-maker Stewart Lee about the avant-garde, free jazz movement, and film curator, critic and film-maker Ehsan Khoshbakht.

Khoshbakht discusses Sven Klang’s small dance band which explores a clash between tradition and innovation, and the power of music to shape destinies.

First, on November 11, a documentary that delves deep into the lives and artistry of four iconic figures – Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp, Bill Dixon, and Paul Bley, exploring their contribution to the free jazz movement.

Then on November 12, travel back to the late 1950s with the tale of a small dance band striving to make a name for themselves by performing at local weddings.

And closing the show on November 14, The Stormy Man.

This screening an atmospheric view of 1950s Japan, following an angry young man, played by Yujiro Ishihara, aspiring to make it in the competitive and occasionally violent world of Ginza’s seedy jazz nocturnal clubs.

Visit the Barbican Centre in Silk Street, Barbican between November 11 and 14 to catch these screenings.

Tickets: www.barbican.org.uk/search?search=jazz+on+screen

Picture: The Stormy Man Picture: The Barbican Centre