film

Thelonius Monk: Straight No Chaser

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Producer(s)	Bruce Ricker, Charlotte Zwerin
Director(s)	Charlotte Zwerin
Release Date	2001
Work In Progress	n
Runtime	89 min
Youth Media	n

Film Description

Filmmaker Bruce Ricker couldn’t believe his luck. Michael and Christian Blackwood’s extensive 1968 footage of modern jazz pianist/composer Thelonious Monk—including the very private Monk off stage—was in excellent shape. The reels were, Ricker said, “just sitting there like the Dead Sea Scrolls of jazz.” Ricker, as co-producer, joins director and fellow producer Charlotte Zwerin (Gimme Shelter), executive producer Clint Eastwood and others to bring these “scrolls” to vibrant life. Their Thelonious Monk: Straight No Chaser combines the Blackwood footage of groundbreaker Monk in studio, on tour and behind the scenes with new interviews, archival photos and more to create a landmark aural and visual treat. Author