The National Jazz Museum in Harlem and the Maysles CInema Present: Jazz on Film

Celebrating A Masterpiece: Kind of Blue

Chris Lenz, 2008, 55 min.

Kind of Blue isn't merely an artistic highlight for Miles Davis, it's an album that towers above its peers, a record generally considered as the definitive jazz album, a universally acknowledged standard of excellence. Why does Kind of Blue posses such a mystique? Perhaps because this music never flaunts its genius. It lures listeners in with the slow, luxurious bassline and gentle piano chords of "So What." From that moment on, the record never really changes pace -- each tune has a similar relaxed feel, as the music flows easily. Celebrating A Masterpiece is a behind-the-scenes look at Kind of Blue, the top selling Jazz album of all time. A companion piece to Ashley Kahn's seminal tome Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis masterpiece.

Celebrating A Masterpiece will also be followed by some short, key performance clips from Miles Davis.

The National Jazz Museum In Harlem and the Maysles Cinema Present: Jazz on Film

Tito Puente Month: Presented by Joe Conzo Sr. and special guests

Tonight, witness thrilling video clips of Tito Puente performing with various ensembles, each of which will demonstrate the sounds that he made famous at the Palladium and around the world, with narration by Joe Conzo Sr., Puente’s close friend and associate (plus possible surprise guests!).

Joe Conzo Sr. is a legendary Tito Puente historian, and archival recording producer.

Sing Me A Swing Song: Great Jazz Vocalists – Ethel Waters

Tuesday, March 8th, 7:00pm

The National Jazz Museum Harlem Presents An International Women’s Day Celebration:

Sing Me A Swing Song: Great Jazz Vocalists – Ethel Waters

Hosted by Father Peter F. O'Brien

Performance footage including her Emmy award nominated episode of Route 66, “Goodnight Sweet Blues.”

Vocalist and actress Ethel Waters (1896-1977) was a key figure in the development of African American culture between the two world wars. She broke barrier after barrier, becoming the first black woman heard on the radio, the first African American to perform in an integrated cast on Broadway, the first black woman to perform in a lead dramatic role on Broadway and the first black woman nominated for an Emmy for her role in the drama Route 66. In this episode, which will be screened in its entirety, Waters plays a dying blues musician longing to have her group reunited for one last gig. Father O’Brien has also selected her filmed performances clips to present the dynamic range of Ms. Water’s illustrious and influential career.

Father Peter O’Brien is the Executive Director of the Mary Lou Williams Foundation.