Herbie HancockPhoto: Francis Wolff © Mosaic ImagesThe Woodward Theater and Borne Content are hosting a screening of the acclaimed documentary Blue Note Records: Beyond The Notes, Swiss director Sophie Huber’s look at the history and continuing legacy of Jazz music’s most enduring and iconic record label.
The film screens on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets ($8) are available now at MOTR Pub and Shake It Records, or via cincyticket.com.
Founded 80 years ago by Alfred Lion and Max Margulis, Blue Note’s discography includes groundbreaking and indispensable works that are crucial building blocks of Jazz. Its roster has included Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Art Blakey, Sonny Rollins, Jimmy Smith, Hank Mobley, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Ornette Coleman, Donald Byrd, Don Cherry, Chick Corea, Jean-Luc Ponty… you get the picture. The label has maintained relevance throughout its eight decades, expanding and growing alongside the genre, while also branching off into related but not strictly Jazz territory. Along with the modern vanguard of Jazz greats like John Scofield, Robert Glasper, Joe Lovano, Wynton Marsalis and Terence Blanchard, Blue Note has been home to successful albums by Norah Jones, Amos Lee, Al Green and Van Morrison.
Beyond The Notes was a favorite at film festivals all over the world last year and recent review from outlets like The Guardian and The New York Times have offered glowing praise for the movie.
The film is only screening in a select few U.S. cities this summer, mostly for one-night-only engagements.
Coincidently, Apple Music and Blue Note today announced the unveiling of a digital showcase of 10 classic albums from the label’s 1500 Series, including remastered versions of 1950s releases by Cannonball Adderley, Sonny Clark, Jimmy Smith, Horace Silver and John Coltrane.
