Watch Jazz On A Summer's Day

Jazz music has always been seen as the soul of America, with its smooth rhythms and soulful melodies. The movie "Jazz on a Summer's Day" celebrates the quintessentially American art form by showcasing some of its greatest musicians, including legendary performers Louis Armstrong and Mahalia Jackson, and rock 'n' roll pioneer Chuck Berry.

The movie was filmed at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival, an annual event that brought together some of the biggest names in the genre. Directed by Bert Stern, the documentary captures the spirit and energy of the festival, as well as the vibrant culture of Newport, Rhode Island, where it was held.

The film starts with a montage of shots depicting the tranquil beauty of Newport, with shots of sailboats gliding by and seagulls soaring overhead. From there, the audience is transported to the heart of the festival, where jazz aficionados from all over the country gather to revel in the music.

The first performer to take the stage is Chuck Berry, whose pioneering sound was instrumental in shaping the evolution of rock 'n' roll. Dressed in a crisp white suit, Berry performs several of his biggest hits, including "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Johnny B. Goode."

Next up is Gerry Mulligan, a renowned baritone saxophonist who was best known for his work with Miles Davis. Mulligan's style is crisp and precise, and his performance is a masterclass in minimalist improvisation.

The film then shifts to Louisiana-born jazz singer Mahalia Jackson, whose rich, soulful voice fills the air. Jackson sings several of her most famous songs, including "I'm On My Way" and "Didn't It Rain," which she performs with a gospel choir.

The last performer of the evening is the great Louis Armstrong, who steals the show with his magnetic presence and infectious energy. Armstrong's performance is a tour de force, as he sings classics like "Mack the Knife" and "Stompin' at the Savoy," and shows off his virtuoso trumpet skills.

In addition to showcasing the individual talents of the performers, the movie also captures the joyous atmosphere of the festival itself. Shots of the crowd dancing and clapping along to the music are interspersed with footage of people chatting, drinking and soaking up the carefree vibe of the event.

At times, the film seems almost dreamlike, with its hazy, sun-drenched imagery and ethereal jazz soundtrack. But the performances themselves are gritty and raw, with the musicians sweating and straining as they pour their souls into their art.

All in all, "Jazz on a Summer's Day" is a masterful celebration of jazz music and the passionate people who make it. Its timeless sound and visuals still resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the power and beauty of America's greatest musical export.

Jazz On A Summer's Day is a 1960 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.