Frank Morgan circa 1992. Photo courtesy of James Gudeman

Northwest Film Forum and the Earshot Jazz Festival team up to present this annual film program that shed light on the vibrant history of this great American art form, and the lives of some of its greatest composers and performers. Sponsored by KPLU 88.5.

Tickets and information at http://www.nwfilmforum.org/live/page/series/3238. 

GRID Presents: A Very Jazzy Halloween

Oct 18, 8pm

The jazz group GRID, who have been thrilling audiences with their live scores for films like Metropolis and Buster Keaton shorts, return with a Halloween-themed show full of fright and fun. Tonight’s program features Jen Gilleran on drums/percussion and Christian Pincock on trombone/effects.

The Case of the Three-Sided Dream

Oct 19, 7pm (Adam Kahan, United States, 2014, Blu-Ray, 87 min)

Blinded at birth, multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk was destined to open the eyes and ears of many with his breathtaking talent, fearless activism and inspiring spirit of determination. Rahsaan Roland Kirk wore as many hats as he played instruments (frequently all at once). He overcame obstacles as formidable and diverse as paralysis and racial prejudice to live out the vivid dreams that shaped his identity. From tenor sax to flute, he was an unstoppable showman who continued to play music and tour even after a stroke left him effectively one-handed.

Stations of the Elevated

Oct 21, 7pm (Manfred Kirchheimer, United States, 1981, DCP, 45 min; New restoration!)

Among the first-ever documentations of graffiti on film, Stations of the Elevated weaves together vivid images of elevated subway trains crisscrossing New York City’s gritty urban landscape. With a complex soundtrack that combines the ambient sounds of the city with the music of Charles Mingus and Aretha Franklin, Stations of the Elevated captures the height of the 1970s graffiti movement in New York, featuring the work of early legends including Lee, Fab 5 Freddy, Shadow, Daze, Kase, Butch, Blade, Slave, 12 T2B, Ree, and Pusher.

Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story

Oct 25, 7pm (NC Heiken, United States, 2014, 84 min)

Frank Morgan was a prodigal alto sax player. Like so many of his fellow musicians of the era, his career was plagued by drug addiction. What sets Frank apart is not just his exceptionally beautiful, classic alto playing, but also the amazing fact that he survived 30 years of revolving door incarceration and drug abuse and went on to a much heralded comeback career in the last 22 years of his life. His story is one of brilliant promise in his youth, a journey through the depths of hell, and redemption through his art.

The years Frank spent in San Quentin State Prison were significant because there were so many great musicians “in residence” there that the far-sighted warden of the time allowed them to form a big band, known as The San Quentin All Stars. People came from all around the Bay Area to hear them play. Frank was proud to be in that band, and doubtless refined his skills as a musician in the company of the other great players serving time for narcotics related charges.

Once free, Frank Morgan proselytized against drugs and played music that moved the critics and public alike. Decades after the release of his first solo album, Frank became a star at last. His true love, artist Rosalinda Kolb, helped him come back and stay straight. In 2007, he met the young Grace Kelly, a saxophone prodigy. With no children of his own, he saw in her his legacy. He introduced her to the public at his gigs, and gave her all he could of his wisdom and love in the last months of his life. Frank Morgan passed away in late 2007.