Norman Seeff's The Sessions

Watch Norman Seeff's The Sessions

  • 2015
  • 1 Season

Norman Seeff's The Sessions is a captivating documentary series that delves deep into the creative process of some of the most iconic artists of our time. Created and hosted by renowned photographer, filmmaker, and artist Norman Seeff, this series offers a unique glimpse into the minds of some of the most influential musicians and performers of the 20th and 21st century.

Throughout the series, Seeff invites a roster of top musicians, including legendary rockers like Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham, as well as pop icons such as Pink, Christina Aguilera, and Gwen Stefani, among others, to come into his studio for what are known as "The Sessions." These sessions are essentially intimate interviews, but they take place in the midst of a creative collaboration between Seeff and his guests.

Each episode begins with Seeff and his guest sitting down and discussing their creative process, the catalysts for their art, and the often-underrated value of collaboration. They explore topics such as inspiration, imagination, and the power of improvisation, all while brainstorming creative concepts for a photoshoot, an album cover, or a music video. The show is incredibly insightful, and viewers are able to see firsthand what goes into making a memorable piece of art.

One episode that particularly stands out is the one featuring Simonne Jones, where Seeff and Jones explore the intense emotions that are brought out through music, and how it can be used to convey a message about life. They also discuss the power of the music industry and how she has overcome the challenges she faced during her career.

The series is shot in a way that gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of visual art, and the collaborative experience that goes into the music and other forms of creative expression. The cinematography is beautiful and cinematic, never feeling like a typical talking-heads interview or a dull documentary.

The format of each episode is unique, with Seeff and his guest bouncing ideas off of each other and testing out different concepts that they've never tried before. The conversations between the host and guest are candid and unscripted, giving a real sense of authenticity to the series. It's clear that the mutual respect and admiration between the artists and Seeff is a driving force behind the success of the show.

Overall, Norman Seeff's The Sessions is an eye-opening series that takes the viewer on a journey through the creative process of some of the most famous performers of our time. With its unique format and exceptional production value, it's a must-see for anyone interested in art, music, or the creative process in general.

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Seasons
The Merle Haggard Session
57. The Merle Haggard Session
August 1, 2016
While being photographed by Norman Seeff in 2003, country legend Merle Haggard spontaneously performs a song he had written the previous day, "That's the News".
The Terry McMillan Session
56. The Terry McMillan Session
August 1, 2016
In 1988, Norman Seeff photographs and interviews Terry McMillan, author of "Waiting to Exhale" and other books, about how she started writing, and how she "becomes" her characters when she is writing.
The Raphael Saadiq Session
55. The Raphael Saadiq Session
August 1, 2016
In 2008, Norman Seeff photographed and interviewed Raphael Saadiq, a guitarist, record producer and singer who has been a standard bearer of old school R&B. Saadiq talked about his early career and his music.
The Jim Henson Session
54. The Jim Henson Session
August 1, 2016
In a sweetly revelatory photo session from 1986, Norman Seeff draws out jim Henson on puppeteering, and his joy in being able to stay creative and playful.
The Heart Session
53. The Heart Session
August 1, 2016
In 2011, Norman Seeff talked to Ann and Nancy Wilson, the sisters in the band Heart, about the ecstasy of creating music, songwriting and the difficult role of women in the music business.
The Curtis Stigers Session
52. The Curtis Stigers Session
August 1, 2016
In 2003, Norman Seeff photographed and talked with Curtis Stigers about his early career, his feelings about performing live and the nature of jazz.
The Chaka & Rufus Session
51. The Chaka & Rufus Session
August 1, 2016
In 1999, Norman Seeff interviewed Chaka Khan and the funk music band, Rufus, about the start of their collaboration, their songs, and their careers.
The Pointer Sisters
50. The Pointer Sisters
December 1, 2015
The Pointer Sisters, June, Ruth and Anita, riding the fame of their disco hits in 1982, dance, sing and pose for photographs.
Nate Ruess
49. Nate Ruess
December 1, 2015
Norman Seeff interviews current music sensation Nate Ruess about his composing style, his career with previous groups Fun and The Format and how Nate evaluates his success.
Triumph Of The Dream
48. Triumph Of The Dream
November 1, 2015
Excerpts from Norman Seeff's interviews with members of the NASA team that was responsible for the design and the mission of the Mars Rover about pivotal moments leading up to the mission's success.
The Take 6 Session
47. The Take 6 Session
November 1, 2015
Take 6 is an American Grammy winning a cappella gospel music sextet formed in 1980 on the campus of Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. The group sings contemporary R&B style. Recorded in 2002, Norman Seeff persuades them to show him how they construct their songs together.
The California Institute Of Technology Interviews
46. The California Institute Of Technology Interviews
November 1, 2015
Research scientists at the California Institute of Technology were interviewed by Norman Seeff in 2002. In this film he has compiled various scientists talking about seminal moments which led them to their careers; and the thrill of the endless quest for knowledge of our world and our universe.
Stevie Nicks
45. Stevie Nicks
November 1, 2015
Recorded in 1999, Norman Seeff talks with Stevie Nicks, solo artist, and member of Fleetwood Mac, about her stage fright that overwhelms her, but how it can also transform her performances.
Simone Jones Interview
44. Simone Jones Interview
November 1, 2015
Recorded in 2013, Norman Seeff talks with Simone Jones, a Red Bull Music Academy participant, about her unquenchable urge to create music.
Red Bull Music Academy Compilation
43. Red Bull Music Academy Compilation
November 1, 2015
In 2013, photographer Norman Seeff interviewed some of the Red Bull Music Academy participants about making music, electronic music, and what it means to them. Artists include: Federico Randall, Carlos Guadd, Alexandra Pirici, Rodrigo Coelho, Alex Silva, Simone Jones and Louis Baker.
Norman Mailer
42. Norman Mailer
November 1, 2015
Norman Seeff, creativity explorer and photographer, interviews American author Norman Mailer during a photo shoot in 1988. Mailer had just written "Ancient Evenings" and so he and Norman talk about writing, death, reincarnation and ancient Egypt.
Miguel San Martin
41. Miguel San Martin
November 1, 2015
Miguel San Martin opens up to photographer Norman Seeff about his early years in Patagonia and his work on the Mars Mission as the Chief Engineer for Guidance and Control systems.
Martin Scorsese
40. Martin Scorsese
November 1, 2015
Recorded in 1985, photographer Norman Seeff interviews Martin Scorsese as he photographs him. Scorsese briefly touches on "Mean Streets" and "Taxi Driver", "Raging Bull" as he discusses directing movies and working with actors.
Lily Tomlin Interview
39. Lily Tomlin Interview
November 1, 2015
Recorded in 1986 during a photo session with Norman Seeff, Lily Tomlin discusses performing on stage night after night, and she and her partner, Jane Wagner, discuss the way they work together.
Johnny Mathis
38. Johnny Mathis
November 1, 2015
Recorded in1976, photographer Norman Seeff shares some candid moments with Johnny Mathis during a photo shoot.
Hip Hop Dance Session
37. Hip Hop Dance Session
November 1, 2015
Recorded in 2004, photographer Norman Seeff films some enthusiastic urban street dancers who are dissecting dances and teaching each other movements.
Dr. John: Performance
36. Dr. John: Performance
November 1, 2015
Recorded in 1999, Dr. John talks candidly with Norman Seeff about his creative process and his relaxed approach to song writing.
Dr. John: Performance and Conversation
35. Dr. John: Performance and Conversation
November 1, 2015
Norman Seeff and others comment on a 1999 interview with Dr. John in which he talks about the "magic" of what he does and what he creates.
Carver Mead Interview
34. Carver Mead Interview
November 1, 2015
Photographer Norman Seeff speaks with Carver Mead, renowned professor at the California Institute of Technology, about his early childhood growing up in the mountains in California -- and the benefits of long walks in the woods and surprises.
Bob Fosse
33. Bob Fosse
November 1, 2015
Bob Fosse, renowned dancer and choreographer, reflects on dancing and his life as he poses for photos in Norman Seeff's studio in 1986.
Adam Deitch Interview
32. Adam Deitch Interview
November 1, 2015
Photographer Norman Seeff talks with Adam Deitch, record producer and drummer, about the roots of Adam's music and his creativity.
Chris Lewicki: Moved To Tears
31. Chris Lewicki: Moved To Tears
September 28, 2015
Chris Lewicki talks about why he worked so long and hard on the Mars Exploration Rover.
Tom Rivellini: Dreaming And Visioning
30. Tom Rivellini: Dreaming And Visioning
September 28, 2015
Mars Exploration Rover design engineer Tom Rivellini describes his moment of clarity around the design of the lander and its deployment.
Tom Rivellini: Conception And Perception
29. Tom Rivellini: Conception And Perception
September 28, 2015
Norman Seeff and others discuss the willingness to "receive" ideas as part of the energy of Tom Rivellini's creativity and the creativity of others.
Mark Adler: Conversation
28. Mark Adler: Conversation
September 28, 2015
Mark Adler, Mission Manager of the Mars exploration mission with Pathfinder, recalls the moment he worked out how the lander could be constructed. Watching this interview, Norman Seeff and colleagues discuss this moment of inspiration and the power of dreams.
Mark Adler: Beyond Fear
27. Mark Adler: Beyond Fear
September 28, 2015
Mark Adler talks about the thought breakthrough that helped move the Mars Exploration Rover Mission forward.
Steve Squyres Interview Part 2
26. Steve Squyres Interview Part 2
September 28, 2015
Steve Squyres, principal investigator for the Mars Rover Project, recalls the day he got THE phone call that his team was chosen for the Mars project.
Steve Squyres Conversation Part 1
23. Steve Squyres Conversation Part 1
September 28, 2015
Norman Seeff and others reflect on the "fun" in Squyres' passion for the Mars Project.
Ray Charles: Conversation
22. Ray Charles: Conversation
September 28, 2015
Norman Seeff and others discuss the unlimited possibility of creative thought.
Ray Charles: If You Can Sing
20. Ray Charles: If You Can Sing
September 28, 2015
Ray Charles shows how "easy" it is to sing and explains how he does what he does musically.
Ray Charles: Creating It
19. Ray Charles: Creating It
September 28, 2015
Ray Charles talks about making music and the influence an instrument has on the artist.
Poncho Sanchez Interview Part 1
17. Poncho Sanchez Interview Part 1
September 28, 2015
Poncho Sanchez, noted Latin Jazz musician, discusses how he got his start on the drums and his earliest memories of music in his home.
Merle Haggard Interview
16. Merle Haggard Interview
September 28, 2015
Merle Haggard opens up to Norman Seeff about his father's untimely death and its effect on his music.
Merle Haggard Conversation
15. Merle Haggard Conversation
September 28, 2015
Norman Seeff and others discuss turning pain into creativity and purpose while watching Merle Haggard's interview.
Herbie Hancock: Maiden Voyage (Part 1)
12. Herbie Hancock: Maiden Voyage (Part 1)
September 28, 2015
Herbie Hancock's job is "to be open to inspiration" -- how did he compose "Maiden Voyage"? He tells the story to Norman Seeff.
Herbie Hancock: Conversation
11. Herbie Hancock: Conversation
September 28, 2015
Norman Seeff and others discuss Herbie Hancock's decision not to become an electrical engineer, but to go into music and composing, with all the risks of failure -- and creative energy -- that entailed.
Herbie Hancock: Who Are You Kidding?
10. Herbie Hancock: Who Are You Kidding?
September 28, 2015
Herbie Hancock talks with Norman Seeff about his decision not to become an electrical engineer in order to pursue a passion for music and composing.
Dr. John: Rehab
9. Dr. John: Rehab
September 28, 2015
How do you move beyond addiction? Dr. John's answer is defining his priorities.
Dr. John: Rehab Conversation
8. Dr. John: Rehab Conversation
September 28, 2015
Conversations with Dr. John, Norman Seeff and others on how defining priorities can change a life.
Bootsy And Catfish Collins
7. Bootsy And Catfish Collins
September 28, 2015
"What is Funk?" Bootsy and Catfish Collins define it and demonstrate it for Norman Seeff.
Billy Wilder Interview
6. Billy Wilder Interview
September 28, 2015
Billy Wilder muses on writing, directing and Marilyn Monroe.
Will.i.am: Engulfed By Music
5. Will.i.am: Engulfed By Music
September 28, 2015
Will.i.am discusses his mother's influence on his life and his teen years in his neighborhood as he discovered his musical talents.
Will.i.am: Tomorrow People
4. Will.i.am: Tomorrow People
September 28, 2015
What sets artists apart from the rest of us? What drives them? Will.i.am reflects on artists as "tomorrow people".
Will.i.am: Timeless Cut
3. Will.i.am: Timeless Cut
September 28, 2015
Will.i.am talks to Norman Seeff about musicians and how their melodies are meant to be created and shared. They discuss how constructing a melody is like breaking a code for the artist and for the listeners.
Will.i.am: Inner Creation
2. Will.i.am: Inner Creation
September 28, 2015
Will.i.am embodies innate creativity as he describes how the world and its sounds and conversations translate to music for him.
Will.i.am: Finding Voice
1. Will.i.am: Finding Voice
September 28, 2015
As they watch Will.i.am spontaneously compose a song while in a photo session, Norman Seeff and others discuss the artist entering a "sacred space" of creation.
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  • Premiere Date
    September 28, 2015
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