Last night I went with Stacey into The City to see the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. The ensemble performed a new score to the movie, Body and Soul, an old silent film directed by Oscar Micheaux and starring Paul Robeson. The new score was written by the trombonist in the jazz ensemble, Wycliffe Gordon, and the music was absolutely amazing.
As a nice suprise, since it was opening night, Harry Bellafonte came out to do a bit of an introduction and to give a couple of shout-outs to the famous people in the house. He pointed out Danny Glover, Paul Robeson, Jr., and some dignitaries from the United Nations.
The movie itself was just alright. The added music fit the movie perfectly, including each of the film’s strange jumps from one mood to the next. I can’t wait for it to be released on a recording…