Watch The Jazz Loft According To W. Eugene Smith

The Jazz Loft According To W. Eugene Smith is a documentary film that takes a closer look behind the creation of one of the most significant milestones in Jazz history. Directed by Sara Fishko, the film explores the journey of W. Eugene Smith, the renowned photographer and photojournalist, who documented the thriving jazz scene in New York City during the 1950s and 60s. Smith lived in a loft in New York City's Flower District, where he housed a large number of artists who would come to play, jam, and collaborate. Over the years, this became a critical space for Jazz musicians who would later take the world by storm.

The film reveals how the Jazz Loft became a melting pot for legendary Jazz musicians, and how Smith captured it all on his tape recordings and Kodachrome film. The film brings together some of the most iconic names in Jazz history, including Thelonious Monk, Zoot Sims, Roland Kirk, and Jimmy Giuffre. Jazz aficionados will enjoy recognizing other well-known artists, and even casual viewers will appreciate the brilliant performances captured on film.

One of the central figures of this documentary is David Amram, a prolific musician who still performs today. Amram explains how musicians would arrive at the loft at all hours of the day and night to play, jam, or simply listen to others perform. He shares stories of how Smith would capture the music being played on his reel-to-reel tape recorder with multiple microphones positioned throughout the loft. Carl Bley, another musician who lived and played in the loft, explains how she would often end up playing all night and just crash there, only to wake up in the middle of the sound of more music.

The Jazz Loft According To W. Eugene Smith is not just about the music, but also about the history and context surrounding the era. The film explores how New York City served as a breeding ground for the Civil Rights Movement, which inspired many of the musicians who played in the loft. The film also delves into the cultural and social changes happening at that time, particularly how Jazz, with its African roots, served as an example of the fusion of different cultures.

The documentary paints a complex picture of Smith, who struggled with addiction and depression throughout his life. The film does not shy away from the dark side of his story or of the era. The Jazz Loft is also a character in the documentary, complete with tales of rats, pigeons, and other denizens of the roof. It was said that some guests would come for the company of the Jazz musicians, and others for the surreal scene that they found inside the converted flower warehouse.

Finally, one of the most interesting elements of the film is the never-before-seen footage of Smith's documentary work. Smith's documentary work influenced some of York City's most iconic photojournalists such as Diane Arbus, and this film gives viewers a much deeper appreciation for his work. The film showcases just how much Smith invested himself in documenting the music and the people involved, creating a visual and audio archive for future generations to enjoy.

Overall, The Jazz Loft According To W. Eugene Smith is a must-watch for all jazz enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in the history of jazz in America. The film is not only an archive of some of the greatest jazz performances ever recorded, but it is also a deeply personal story about a photographer who, though flawed and troubled, still created some of the most significant artwork of his time.

The Jazz Loft According To W. Eugene Smith is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.