Watch City Beats

City Beats is an immersive travel documentary series that takes its viewers on a musical journey around the world. Produced by CuriosityStream, the show is a combination of stunning visuals and music that encapsulates the essence of each city it covers. The series is expertly produced and directed by the award-winning film maker, Susan Froemke, and features a rich selection of music tracks and interviews with some of the most renowned musicians and musicologists.

The show is structured in a way that mirrors the rhythm and pulse of each city it explores. The episodes are divided into four movements, each focusing on a different aspect of the city. The first movement starts with the early hours of the day, where the focus is on the city's architecture and empty streets. The second movement explores the sounds and energy of the daytime activities in the city, including street musicians, markets, and the bustling life of the city. The third movement transitions into the night, with a focus on the nocturnal energy of the city's nightlife, clubs, and concerts, often featuring live performances or DJ sets. Finally, the fourth movement takes on the quiet moments of the night, with a focus on ambient sounds and calmness.

The series is shot in high definition, and each episode incorporates footage from drones, time-lapse sequences, and slow-motion shots to add depth and perspective to the series' stylized visuals. The music featured in each episode is a mix of traditional and contemporary, and covers several genres such as jazz, rock, electronic, and folk music. The series has some of the best sound design in recent years, with an emphasis on atmospheric sounds that transport the viewer to the heart of each city.

The series has covered some of the most culturally significant cities in the world, including Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans, Reykjavik, and Paris, among others. The show is a celebration of the rich history, people, and musical heritage of each city, showcasing its unique spirit and character. The interviews with local musicians and musicologists provide additional context and depth to the music featured in each episode.

The show's host, renowned musician Marcus Miller, leads the viewers on a journey that is both informative and entertaining. Miller is an internationally acclaimed jazz bassist who has played with some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, and David Sanborn. Miller's expertise and passion for music shine through in each episode, as he connects the dots between each city's musical heritage and the genres that have influenced its evolution.

One of the strengths of the series is its ability to capture the cultural diversity of each city it covers. The show highlights the intersection of different cultures and musical traditions, highlighting the importance of music as a tool for cross-cultural communication and understanding. The show's narrative is not limited to the traditional music scene but also explores the underground music scene, street music, and other forms of musical expression that have emerged in each city.

Overall, City Beats is a must-see for anyone who loves music and travel. The show's expertly produced visuals and sound design, combined with Marcus Miller's passionate hosting, make for a captivating and immersive experience. The series is a testament to the transformative power of music and its ability to connect people from all walks of life. CuriosityStream has set a new standard for travel documentaries with City Beats, and the series is sure to leave a lasting impression on its viewers.

City Beats is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between October 6, 2021 and on CuriosityStream