Is Jazz Icons: Bill Evans Live in '64-'75 Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2008)

📖 The Core Premise

Jazz Icons: Bill Evans Live in '64-'75 returns to the screen in 2008, bringing a fresh narrative to the Music genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Jazz Icons: Bill Evans features five separate performances by one of the most revered pianists in music history. This collection covers an 11-year span, highlighting Evans’ ever-deepening artistry as he performs with four different all-star rhythm sections, including the stunning duo of bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and drummer Alan Dawson. This DVD includes for the first time on home video Evans’ renditions of the rarely performed “Sareen Jurer,” “Blue Serge” and “Twelve Tone Tune Two.” Among the many surprises in this collection is a live performance of “My Melancholy Baby” with saxophonist Lee Konitz."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Bill Evans does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Music. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Jazz Icons: Bill Evans Live in '64-'75 worth your time? If you appreciate Music films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Jazz Icons: Bill Evans Live in '64-'75 is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 98 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.