Inside Out In The Open (An Expressionist Journey Into The World Known As Free Jazz) Documentary — DeepCutsArchive

DeepCutsArchive

Inside Out In The Open (An Expressionist Journey Into The World Known As Free Jazz) Documentary — DeepCutsArchive

Inside Out In The Open is an hour-long documentary about a form of jazz, popularly known as free jazz. The film is an exploration of that music through the voices and performances of over twenty such musicians, from those who were its first generation to younger musicians joining the tradition. Unlike more encyclopedic documentaries, Inside Out In The Open unfolds in a more organic and musical form, revealing multiple aspects of this music and its makers. The editing structure is reflective and complimentary to the music. Free-form jazz, also known as the "the new thing," or "avant-garde jazz," burst on the scene in the early '60s, led by Ornette Coleman and Cecil Taylor. It vastly extended the boundaries in rhythm, sound, and harmonics, stressing collective improvisation, with an expansive openness and with deep personal emotion. The release of Inside Out In The Open comes on the heels of the major 10-part "Jazz" series by Ken Burns, which was criticized for given little attention to jazz after 1960, and for being critical of the genre of "free jazz." With only a small amount of media work available on this development in jazz, Inside Out In The Open is a welcome contribution, giving overdue respect to these musical artists. Featured Interviews: Marion Brown, Roswell Rudd, John Tchicai, Alan Silva, Burton Greene, Joseph Jarman, Baikida Carroll, William Parker, Daniel Carter, Matthew Shipp, Susie Ibarra Featured Artists: Denis Charles, Glenn Spearman, Wilber Morris, Joseph Jarman, Peter Brötzmann, John Tchicai, Sun Ra and his Arkestra, In Order To Survive (William Parker, Cooper-Moore, Rob Brown, Susie Ibarra), Other Dimensions In Music (Roy Campbell, Daniel Carter, Rashid Bakr, William Parker, with Matt Shipp),Baikida Carroll, Reggie Workman and more. Credits Produced, directed and edited by Alan Roth. Camera: Omer Ali Kazma, Alan Roth, Peter Schmuhl. Interview audio recording: Matthew Hutchinson, Matthew Silver. Online editor: Tom Hayes. Press Quotes "...director Alan Roth set out to capture the essence behind the term through interviews and footage of live recordings, aiming exclusively at musicians who had helped change the focus and direction of jazz, artists who cast away the conventions of composition and found inspiration in their individuality." - Jerry D'Souza, All About Jazz "...an accessible film that dispels many of the myths around free jazz and reveals the inherent beauty and passion in the making of the music." - John Sharpe, All About Jazz Released: 2008 http://www.espdisk.com/catalogue/4042.html

About This Footage

A [Rare](/tag/rare) Glimpse into the World of Free [Jazz](/genre/jazz)

The year 1960 marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of jazz music, with the emergence of free jazz, also known as avant-garde or "the new thing." This radical departure from traditional jazz forms was spearheaded by pioneers such as Ornette Coleman and Cecil Taylor. Their innovative approach to rhythm, sound, and harmonics not only expanded the boundaries of the genre but also gave birth to a new era of collective improvisation and personal expression.

The documentary "Inside Out In The Open" (1960) is a rare and precious artifact from this formative period in jazz history. This hour-long film offers an intimate look at the world of free jazz through the voices and performances of over twenty musicians, including some of its earliest adherents and younger innovators who were joining the tradition. Unlike more didactic documentaries, "Inside Out In The Open" eschews a traditional encyclopedic approach in favor of a more organic and musical structure, allowing the viewer to experience the music as it unfolds.

One of the most striking aspects of this documentary is its focus on the musicians themselves. Rather than providing a dry historical context or analytical critique, "Inside Out In The Open" allows the artists to speak for themselves through extensive interviews. Featured in these conversations are notable figures such as Marion Brown, Roswell Rudd, John Tchicai, and Alan Silva, among others. Their insights offer a unique window into the creative process, artistic vision, and personal experiences of these groundbreaking musicians.

The film's featured artists showcase an impressive array of talent, including Sun Ra and his Arkestra, In Order To Survive (featuring William Parker), Other Dimensions In Music (with Roy Campbell and Daniel Carter), and Baikida Carroll. These performances not only demonstrate the innovative spirit of free jazz but also highlight its capacity for emotional depth and collective expression.

The production credits reveal a collaborative effort between Alan Roth, Omer Ali Kazma, and Peter Schmuhl behind the camera, with Matthew Hutchinson and Matthew Silver handling interview audio recording. This attention to detail and commitment to preserving the music's essence make "Inside Out In The Open" an invaluable resource for jazz enthusiasts and scholars alike.

In recent years, documentaries like Ken Burns' "Jazz" series have brought renewed attention to this rich musical heritage. However, such productions often gloss over or dismiss the very innovations that defined free jazz in the early 1960s. In contrast, "Inside Out In The Open" offers a much-needed corrective, providing overdue respect and recognition for these pioneering artists.

This rare documentary is a testament to the enduring power of free jazz as a musical force. Its influence can still be felt today, with many contemporary musicians drawing upon its principles of collective improvisation and personal expression. For those interested in exploring this fascinating chapter in jazz history, "Inside Out In The Open" is an essential viewing experience that offers a glimpse into the world of free jazz at its most innovative and expressive.

Curated from public records and music databases.