🎬 The Premise
Released in 1997, Blue Note - A Story of Modern Jazz enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on
"It must schwing!" was the motto of Alfred Lion and Francis Wolff, two German Jewish immigrants who in 1939 set up Blue Note Records, the jazz label that was home to such greats as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, Dexter Gordon and Sonny Rollins.
Under the direction of Julian Benedikt, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
🎭 Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Freddie Hubbard, Gil Mellé, Herbie Hancock.
The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
🎥 Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Blue Note - A Story of Modern Jazz offers a
competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone,
keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
📺 Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Blue Note - A Story of Modern Jazz is available in theaters worldwide.
For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release.
Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
📝 Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 7.2/10, the reception has been generally positive.
For fans of Documentary, Music, it serves as a
worthy addition to the watchlist.